For the third time this season, a pair of NFC West Division rivals are poised to do battle. The grudge match between the Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Rams on Monday night will mark the conclusion of NFL Wild Card Weekend. The two teams finished just one game apart in the final division standings. Although the Rams won the NFC West crown and earned the right to host this playoff game, it’s worth pointing out that each team won on the other’s home field during the regular season. Despite this, the NFL betting odds favor the home side for picks against the spread. A spot in the Divisional Round and a date with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers await the winner of this Cardinals vs Rams showdown.
The following Cardinals vs Rams NFL betting preview will provide you with the current odds, betting trends and picks for the NFC Wild Card matchup, along with a stream link to watch games all postseason long.
Cardinals vs Rams NFL Playoffs Betting Preview
NFL Postseason — NFC Wild Card Game
Arizona Cardinals (11-6, 8-1 Away) vs. Los Angeles Rams (12-5, 5-3 Home)
Date: Monday, Jan. 17, 2021
Time: 8:15 p.m. EST
Venue: SoFi Stadium — Inglewood, CA
Coverage: ESPN+
Arizona Cardinals Preview
To say the Cardinals backed their way into the playoffs would be an understatement. After starting the season 10-2, Kliff Kingsbury’s squad went 1-4 down the stretch. As a result, they lost out on the NFC West Division title and start the postseason as the 5-seed. Given that Arizona won eight of nine road games during the regular season, perhaps they’ll be right at home going to other cities.
One major development ahead of Monday’s NFL betting matchup concerns the Cardinals’ backfield. For the first time since Week 15, both James Conner and Chase Edmonds appear to be on track to play in the same game. Edmonds was not listed on the final injury report for this NFC Wild Card matchup. While Conner is officially designated as questionable, reports from Sunday afternoon indicated that he will suit up.
Having both of their top two RBs healthy will be huge for the Cardinals. Not only have the Rams struggled defensively against formidable rushing attacks, but Arizona’s offense is predicated on pounding the ball between the tackles. In the passing game, star receiver DeAndre Hopkins will not be able to return for the Wild Card Round. Thus, Kyler Murray will have to lean on the trio of A.J. Green, Christian Kirk and tight end Zach Ertz. The latter of the three emerged as a top target down the stretch of the regular season.
On defense, the rumors surrounding a return for J.J. Watt appear to be true. The star pass-rusher reportedly practiced all of last week and traveled with the team to L.A. Barring any setbacks, bettors can expect him to be on the field Monday night.
Los Angeles Rams Preview
Although the Rams had to string together several wins in the month of December to surpass the Cardinals for the division crown, they too enter Monday’s NFL betting matchup off of a loss. The Rams may be hosting this playoff game, but they had better hope that their fans show out in greater numbers than they did last week. At least 70% of the SoFi Stadium crowd was supporting the visiting San Francisco 49ers in the regular-season finale.
Of course, the Rams come into this postseason facing a ton of pressure. Given the trades they have made and draft picks they have dealt, Los Angeles has essentially sold out on winning a Super Bowl this season. One of those deals came last offseason that ultimately swapped Jared Goff for Matthew Stafford. Well, it’s now time for Stafford to make good on all of the hype and expectations.
Without a doubt, slot receiver Cooper Kupp will be heavily involved in the Rams’ game plan on Monday. Kupp broke multiple fantasy football records during the season and is easily the top target for Stafford. Since signing on in the second half of the year, Odell Beckham Jr. has also proven to be a difference-maker, particularly down in the red zone. He enters the NFL betting Wild Card contest with touchdown receptions in five of the last seven games. While sony Michel figures to maintain the lead role out of the backfield, Cam Akers could see his workload expand on Monday as well.
Defensively, Los Angeles has assembled a star-studded cast spanning all three levels. Unfortunately, the Rams’ inability to stop the run was exposed badly last week. The Cardinals also piled up over 200 yards rushing in the first meeting between the teams. L.A. will also be without each of its top two safeties on Monday night. Will signing Eric Weddle off the street help the Rams cover the NFL picks against the spread?
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Cardinals vs Rams Betting Odds and NFL Picks Against the Spread
NFL betting odds for Cardinals vs Rams are taken from BetMGM Sportsbook.
Moneyline: ARZ: (+160) | LAR: (-190)
Spread: ARZ: +3.5 (-105) | LAR: -3.5 (-115)
Total: 49.5 — Over: (-110) | Under: (-110)
Public (Spread) Betting via Action Network: ARZ: (50%) | LAR: (50%)
Cardinals vs Rams NFL Betting Trends
- Cardinals are 8-1 ATS in their last nine road games.
- Rams are 4-2 ATS and 5-1 SU in their last six games.
- Cardinals are just 1-4 both ATS and SU in their last five games.
- Rams are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 head-to-head matchups against the Cardinals.
- The total has gone over in four of the last five Cardinals vs. Rams head-to-head matchups.
Cardinals vs Rams Stats
- Arizona is averaging 26.4 points per game (PPG) this season (No. 11 in the NFL).
- Arizona is surrendering 21.5 PPG this season (T-No. 9 in the NFL).
- Los Angeles is averaging 27.1 PPG this season (T-No. 7 in the NFL).
- Los Angeles is surrendering 21.9 PPG this season (T-No. 15 in the NFL).
Cardinals vs Rams Prediction
This Cardinals vs Rams NFL betting prediction uses NumberFire’s game projections. They give Los Angeles a 61.3% chance to win this NFC Wild Card matchup.
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