Adrian Peterson and Todd Gurley get the spotlight in London on Sunday, as the Arizona Cardinals play the Los Angeles Rams in Week 7 on FOX. While this is a game in London, it does not have the early morning start time, as it will start at 1 p.m. Eastern along with all of the other early afternoon games in Week 7. The Cardinals come into this game at 3-3 and looking much better now that they have Peterson, while the Rams lead the NFC West at 4-2.
This contest in Week 7 of the regular season will go down Sunday, October 22, 2017, at 1 p.m. ET at Twickenham Stadium in London.
Opening NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Arizona Cardinals +3
Los Angeles Rams -3
Over/Under 47.5
Odds Analysis
The Rams opened as 3-point favorites in this contest but that number has been bet up to 3.5. It is a little bit surprising that the action is on the Rams in this contest, as the Cardinals looked much better last week in their win over Tampa Bay. The Cardinals seem to be an entirely different team now that Peterson is with them. He not only got the offense going, but he excited the defensive players, especially Patrick Peterson. These teams met twice last season and it was the road team winning each time.
Injury Report
Patrick Peterson - The Cardinals list Peterson as day-to-day with a quadriceps injury. Peterson said after the game against the Bucs that he was just sore and that he will be fine to play against the Rams. The question will be whether or not the injury hampers him in any way.
Robert Nkemdiche - The Cardinals are listing Nkemdiche as day-to-day with a calf injury but he has missed the last three games. The Cardinals badly need his presence on the defensive line, as they have struggled to stop the run.
Trumaine Johnson – Keep an eye on the status of Johnson for this game. He left the win against Jacksonville to be evaluated for a concussion but returned. Oftentimes players develop concussion symptoms later and if Johnson misses any time his absence would be important, as he is considered the Rams’ top cornerback.
Player to Watch
What a difference one player made for the Arizona Cardinals last week, as the team looked like a playoff contender with Adrian Peterson in the backfield. He looked like the A.P. of old, as he rushed for 134 yards and two touchdowns. Not many players can come in and replace a David Johnson but Peterson did it. He could have another big game in London because the Rams are terrible against the run. The Rams are giving up 139.5 rushing yards per game, 29th in the league.
Free ATS Pick
If you look simply at the stats, as it appears the public and early bettors are doing, then the Rams would be the choice in this game. The Rams lead the league in scoring at almost 30 points per game and they lead the NFC West. The problem with looking at the current stats is that I think they are meaningless now that Arizona has Peterson. He has invigorated the entire team and changed the outlook for Arizona.
I also think the key number we looked at earlier is huge for this game, as the Rams have really struggled against the run. We know that Arizona is going to keep giving Peterson the ball and force the Rams to bring their safeties up. There isn’t much Carson Palmer does well, but one thing he can do is throw the deep ball and there should be some chances for the Cardinals to hit big plays in this contest.
I think the value is all on the Cardinals in this contest and keep in mind it is a neutral site contest. I will take the points with Arizona in a game I think they can win outright.
NFL Odds: Cardinals 27, Rams 20
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