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The Arizona Cardinals and the Los Angeles Rams will face off in what should be one of the best games of Week 4. It's time to continue our NFL odds series and make a Cardinals-Rams prediction and pick based on Cardinals Rams odds.
This is a battle of two of the only remaining undefeated squads in the NFL. The Jacksonville Jaguars gave the Cardinals a bit of a scare last week, but Arizona ended up surviving for their third straight win. This game is the first true test for head coach Kliff Kingsbury this season, as the Rams are considered legitimate Super Bowl contenders. Los Angeles is coming off of a huge win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers where they dominated every part of the game. It's hard to ask for a better victory than that, but another strong showing against the Cardinals may do the trick.
Here's how the bookmakers have set the lines for Sunday's matchup.
NFL Odds: Cardinals-Rams Odds
Arizona Cardinals +4 1/2 (-113)
Los Angeles Rams -4 1/2 (-107)
Over 54 1/2 points (-117)
Under 54 1/2 points (-103)
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Why The Cardinals Can Cover The Spread
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No one expected it coming into the season, but Kyler Murray is a legitimate MVP candidate. He's been absolutely fantastic in all of his appearances this season, posting just over 1,000 passing yards and ten total touchdowns. He's also lead the offense to top 30 points in every single game this season. Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins has been great despite a down week against Jacksonville in Week 3. This offense has a chance against any team in the NFL, including this vaunted Rams defense that they'll be facing here. Consider this when sizing up the Cardinals Rams odds.
When looking at the stats, it seems like the Rams have been one of the best defenses in the league. That may be true by points allowed, but Los Angeles is prone to giving up chunks of yardage to their opponent and then forcing themselves to make a red zone stand. Arizona has been a top-ten team in red zone efficiency this season, scoring a touchdown on 76% of their trips inside their opponent's 20 yard line. The Rams may not be able to employ their bend don't break strategy here, which could swing the outcome of the game. Account for this detail in making a Cardinals Rams pick.
Why The Rams Can Cover The Spread
Through three games, it's clear that this isn't the same Rams offense from a couple of years ago. Quarterback Matthew Stafford is also in the MVP contention after three weeks of fantastic play. Receiver Cooper Kupp leads the league in receiving yards. This has been one of the most exciting and explosive attacks in the NFL through three weeks, and that should continue against a vastly overrated Arizona defense. Factor this into a Cardinals Rams prediction.
Despite what the box scores of their games might indicate, this Cardinals defense isn't something to be feared. They had an impressive showing against the Tennessee Titans, but that looks more and more like a fluke with every passing week. Arizona was absolutely torched by the Minnesota Vikings, as the Cardinals allowed a whopping 33 points and 6.0 yards per carry in the contest. The Rams shouldn't be afraid of this defense that doesn't have an elite corner or an elite pass rush. Los Angeles should be able to put up their fair share of points here.
Final Cardinals-Rams Prediction & Pick
This feels like another NFC West game that could go either way. Both teams have looked great to start the season, making this pick feel like a coin flip. Instead of taking either side of the spread, the over is the best option. Arizona has looked nearly unstoppable on defense and the Rams have been equally good. Lock in the over with confidence here.
FINAL PICK: Over 54 1/2 points (-103)
