Arizona Cardinals vs L.a. Rams Picks and Predictions September 15th 2024

Rams Aim to Extend Road Dominance Against Cardinals in NFC West Showdown

The over/under line is set at 49.5 points for the week two NFC West matchup between the Rams and Cardinals. The game is being played at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ, with the Cardinals as the slight favorite (-1). The Rams are the favorite on the money line at -101. Kickoff is at 4:05 ET, and FOX is handling the television coverage.

Los Angeles vs. Arizona Key Information

• Teams: Rams at Cardinals
• Where: State Farm Stadium Glendale
• Date: Sunday, September 15th
• Betting Odds ARI -121 | LAR -101 O/U 49.5

The Rams Can Win If…

The Rams’ most recent game ended in a 26-20 overtime loss to the Lions, dropping their record to 0-1 for the season. Los Angeles went into the game as +5.5 point underdogs and didn’t cover the spread with the 6-point loss. The combined 46 points fell short of the over/under line of 53.5 points. After the 1st quarter, the Rams were up 3-0, but the Lions scored 10 points in the 2nd quarter to take a 7-point lead heading into halftime.

In the 4th quarter, the Rams fought back and tied the game at 20 apiece. Matthew Stafford connected with Cooper Kupp for a 9-yard touchdown and the Rams added a 26-yard field goal. However, the Lions outscored the Rams 6-0 in overtime, with David Montgomery rushing for two touchdowns for Detroit in the extra period.

In their 26-20 overtime loss to the Lions, the Rams’ offense put up 26 first downs and 363 yards. Matthew Stafford threw for 317 yards (34/49), with one touchdown and one interception. He connected with Cooper Kupp 14 times for 110 yards and a touchdown. The running game struggled, with Kyren Williams managing only 50 yards on 18 carries.

Stafford was sacked twice and the Rams’ offense collectively struggled on third down, converting just 41.7% of their attempts. Despite this, they still managed to put up 20 points in the game.

In their most recent game, the Rams’ defense gave up 163 rushing yards on 31 attempts to the Lions. Despite this, the Rams’ defense allowed just 200 passing yards on 18 completions, with one touchdown. They also managed to come up with one interception. The Rams’ defense held the Lions to 46.2% on third down and allowed just 20 points in regulation, but the team still lost 26-20 in overtime. Los Angeles had two sacks in the game. The Rams’ defense also allowed the Lions to average 5.3 yards per attempt on the ground.

• The Rams have gone 1-2 over their last three regular season games. Against the spread, they have a strong mark of 2-1 along with an over-under record of 1-2.
• Across Los Angeles’s last ten regular season games, their record sits at 7-3. In these contests, the team went just 7-3 against the spread, while going 6-4 on the over-under.

The Cardinals Can Win If…

Despite being +6.5 point spread underdogs, the Cardinals lost to the Bills by a score of 34-28, resulting in a 1-0 record for Buffalo and an 0-1 start for Arizona. The combined 62 points easily surpassed the over/under line of 45.5 points. Arizona led 17-10 at halftime and added a field goal in the 3rd quarter to make the score 17-13 in favor of Buffalo. However, the Bills outscored the Cardinals 14-0 in the 3rd quarter.

Arizona made things interesting in the 4th quarter, as they put together a comeback attempt, scoring 11 points. However, a late 39-yard field goal from Tyler Bass sealed the win for Buffalo. Josh Allen had a big game for the Bills, throwing for over 300 yards and scoring four touchdowns.

In their 34-28 loss to the Bills, the Cardinals’ offense managed 18 first downs and 352 total yards. They ran for 124 yards on 25 attempts, with Kyler Murray leading the team with 57 yards, including a 29-yard run. However, the passing game struggled, with Murray throwing for just 146 yards and being sacked four times.

Murray completed 21 of 31 passes (67.7%) and threw one touchdown. He was the team’s leading passer and finished with a passer rating of 91. Greg Dortch was the top receiver with 47 yards. The offense struggled to sustain drives, going just 4.7 yards per attempt and converting only 53.8% of their third down attempts.

In their 34-28 loss to the Bills, the Cardinals’ defense allowed 222 passing yards on just 18 completions. Buffalo found success through the air, averaging 9.7 yards per attempt and scoring two passing touchdowns. Arizona’s defense struggled to stop the run, giving up 130 yards on 33 attempts. Despite this, they did hold Buffalo to a 33.3% conversion rate on third down.

Arizona’s defense managed two sacks and won the tackles for loss battle by one. The Bills’ offense finished with 352 total yards against them, and their completion percentage was high at 78.3%.

• Across Arizona’s last three regular season games, their record sits at 0-3. Their record vs the spread sits at 1-2 in these matchups, while posting a 2-1 over-under mark.
• Through their last ten regular season contests, Arizona has a record of 2-8. In these contests, the team went just 6-4 against the spread, while going 7-3 on the over-under.

The Lean

For this week two matchup between the Rams and Cardinals, we have the Cardinals coming out on top by a score of 26-21. This would also make them our pick vs. the spread, as they are currently sitting at -1 point favorites at home.

As for the best way to bet the over/under, we are leaning towards taking the under, with a projected combined score of 47 points and the line sitting at 49.5 points.

The Los Angeles Rams (0-1) head to Glendale, Arizona, this Sunday, hoping to extend their impressive nine-game road winning streak against the Arizona Cardinals (0-1). Both teams are coming off Week 1 losses and will be eager to avoid an 0-2 start, adding extra intensity to this divisional rivalry in the NFC West.

Rams Look to Rebound from Overtime Loss

The Rams opened their season with a tough 26-20 overtime loss to the Detroit Lions, in which they rallied from a two-touchdown deficit to force the extra period. Despite the valiant effort, the Lions scored on their first drive in overtime, sealing the game.

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford showed his trademark resilience, completing 25 of 38 passes for 276 yards and leading the team to a comeback that ultimately fell short. However, the Rams are now dealing with significant injuries to key players. Wide receiver Puka Nacua (knee) and offensive linemen Joe Noteboom (ankle) and Steve Avila (knee) were all placed on injured reserve this week, adding challenges to the Rams’ offense.

With Aaron Donald retired, the Rams are adjusting to a new identity on defense, but head coach Sean McVay remains optimistic.

Cardinals Seek First Home Win Over Rams Since 2014

The Cardinals are also coming off a tough loss, falling 34-28 to the Buffalo Bills in Week 1. Despite taking a 17-3 lead in the first half, Arizona couldn’t hold off Buffalo’s rally in the second half. A critical fumble by quarterback Kyler Murray deep in Cardinals territory allowed the Bills to regain control of the game in the fourth quarter.

Murray, returning from knee surgery, was efficient in his season debut, completing 21 of 31 passes for 162 yards while adding 57 rushing yards. However, the Cardinals’ inability to close out the game left Murray frustrated.

The Rams have dominated the Cardinals in recent years, winning 13 of the last 15 matchups, including playoffs. Arizona hasn’t beaten Los Angeles at home since 2014 but has found more success in Los Angeles, winning twice at SoFi Stadium in the past four years.

Key Players and Injury Updates

• Rams Injuries: Tight end Davis Allen (back) is doubtful, and guard Kevin Dotson (foot), safety Quentin Lake (hip), and cornerback Cobie Durant (toe) are questionable. With the Rams’ offensive line already shorthanded, protection for Stafford will be a key concern.
• Cardinals Injuries: Kyler Murray (knee) was limited in practice but is expected to play. Cornerback Max Melton (concussion) and wide receiver Xavier Weaver (oblique) are listed as questionable, while right tackle Jonah Williams (knee) has been placed on injured reserve. Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon is focused on getting rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. more involved in the offense after his quiet debut in Week 1.

Special Teams X-Factor

One bright spot for the Cardinals in their Week 1 loss was DeeJay Dallas, who returned a kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter, keeping Arizona within striking distance. With the new NFL kickoff rules, Dallas took full advantage and could be a key contributor once again on special teams.

What’s at Stake?

Both teams are desperate to avoid an 0-2 start to the season. The Rams are looking to maintain their road dominance over the Cardinals and build momentum for a season filled with uncertainty, while the Cardinals hope to secure their first home victory against Los Angeles in nearly a decade. This game could set the tone for the rest of the season in a competitive NFC West division.

With Matthew Stafford battling injuries and Kyler Murray adjusting to life post-knee surgery, both teams will be relying heavily on their supporting casts and key defensive plays to swing momentum. Sean McVay will look to rally his young squad, while Jonathan Gannon hopes to earn his first win as Cardinals head coach in front of a home crowd.