The conclusion of Week 14 features the Los Angeles Rams (8-4, 4-2 away) in an NFC West tilt against the Arizona Cardinals (10-2, 3-2 home). Arizona rolled 37-20 in the first meeting between the two teams back in Week 4.
Monday night’s kickoff is at 8:15 p.m. EST at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Arizona is a 2.5-point favorite in the rivalry rematch, and the over-under total is at 51.5 points.
What to Know – Los Angeles Rams
Los Angeles was one of the last teams to get a bye week and showed toward the end of November with three consecutive losses. The Rams bounced back last week with a convincing 37-7 victory over the Jaguars at home. Los Angeles is in great shape to punch their ticket to the postseason, and a win over the Cardinals would almost guarantee a spot in the playoffs.
The Rams score 28.0 points per game while averaging 399.4 yards of offense. Defensively, Los Angeles holds opponents to 22.5 points and 357.5 yards of total offense per game.
Matthew Stafford tossed three touchdown passes, and the Rams defense held the Jaguars to only 197 yards of offense and forced two turnovers in last week’s victory. Stafford finished 26-of-38 for 295 yards and no turnovers.
Filling in for the injured Darrell Henderson Jr., Sony Michel toted the rock 24 times for 121 yards and one score. Cooper Kupp continued his assault on opposing defenses with a game-high eight receptions for 129 yards and a touchdown.
The Rams are 5-7 against the spread this year with a 2-4 mark on the road. Los Angeles is 1-5 ATS over their last six games but 7-1-1 ATS in their last nine against the Cardinals.
What to Know – Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals have the best record in football and carry a two-game winning streak into Monday night’s bout. A win for Arizona locks in a playoff bid for the Cardinals and will almost clinch the division.
Arizona’s offense averages 28.6 points behind an offense that rolls up 386.8 yards of offense per game. The Cardinals’ defense surrenders 18.7 points and only 334.4 yards of total offense to opponents.
Kyler Murray returned from injury in their 33-22 victory over Chicago and threw for two touchdowns and rushed for a pair. The Cardinals’ defense forced four interceptions and sacked Andy Dalton three times.
James Conner carried the ball 20 times for 75 yards and added two receptions for 36 yards and a touchdown. DeAndre Hopkins chipped in two catches for 32 yards and his eighth touchdown of the season.
Arizona is 9-3 ATS this year with an 8-2 mark over their last ten games. The Cardinals are 0-6 ATS in their previous six games at home against the Rams.
The Pick is In
A preview of a potential postseason battle is on tap for fans Monday night. The Rams and Cardinals meet again, with Los Angeles looking to even the season series on the road.
Stafford versus Murray will provide us with plenty of fireworks, and it’ll be Stafford who gets the upper hand in the rematch.
Betting Pick: Los Angeles Rams +2.5
