The Cardinals enter Monday night’s contest favored by roughly a field goal over the visiting Rams – marking the first time L. A. has been an underdog since hosting the Buccaneers in Week 3.
The total for Monday’s event is currently stationed north of OU 51 at most shops, which marks the highest over-under set for a Cardinals’ game since visiting the Rams back in Week 4 (O 54).
The Rams snapped an ugly three-game losing skid with a 37-7 demolition of the hapless Jacksonville Jaguars.
Matthew Stafford put together his best game in a month, going 26-for-38 for 295 yards and three touchdown passes. Most importantly, the Rams’ pivot protected the football, which was a big part of the team’s recent struggles.
In his previous three starts, Stafford had thrown five TD passes and five interceptions, and the Rams were outscored 95-54 in losses to the Packers, 49ers and Titans.
LA was able to get their running game going, even with Darrell Henderson on the shelf.
Sony Michel carried 24 times for 121 yards and a score, and that’s a good sign, as Henderson, who’s still dealing with a thigh injury, tested positive for COVID Saturday, and likely won’t be available vs the Cardinals.
The Cardinals have obviously had a tremendous season, as evidenced by the league’s best record through 13 weeks. They even had to play three games without both Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins — and found a way to go 2-1 in those games, with the two victories coming against division opponents and Colt McCoy under center.
It all starts with an elite offense that’s improved drastically from last season due to the progression of Murray, who ranks No. 1 among all quarterbacks in EPA+CPOE composite — just ahead of Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers. (Stafford ranks sixth, for what it’s worth.)
However, it’s not all Murray.
The additions of James Conner, Rondale Moore, Zach Ertz (after Maxx Williams went down) and A.J. Green have all paid dividends. The offensive line has also gotten better with the offseason acquisition of center Rodney Hudson.
Put it all together, and this offense ranks No. 2 in EPA per play and No. 3 in success rate. The run game hasn’t been great after adjusting for opponent (25th in DVOA), but the offense has been close to unstoppable when Murray drops back.
Division games are so tough to handicap in the NFL as anything can happen when two rivals face off. Earlier this season, the Cardinals rolled over the Rams at SoFi Stadium, winning 37-20 in Week 4. The Rams have lost their last two road games, in which their defense allowed 30 or more points.
Prediction : Cardinals -2.5