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The Arizona Cardinals were sizable underdogs at home last time out and came away with an upset of the Jaguars. They would love to duplicate the trick this week against the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams dominated the first matchup between these teams and could take a step closer to the NFC West title with a victory here in Week 13.
Los Angeles has been one of the biggest surprises in the NFL season, and a win last week over the Saints further solidified them as Super Bowl contenders. The Rams are in contention for a top two seed in the NFC so every win is crucial down the stretch. The Cardinals are barely alive in the playoff race, but a loss in this one could end those hopes. It won’t be easy for them to pull off another upset against a talented foe.
This matchup in Week 13 of the regular season will take place on Sunday, December 3, 2017, at 4:25 p.m. ET at University of Phoenix Stadium.
Opening NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Los Angeles Rams -7
Arizona Cardinals +7
Over/Under 45
Odds Analysis
The Rams are touchdown favorites despite playing this game on the road. The bettors believe in Los Angeles as more than 71 percent of the action is on the Rams to cover this spread.
The scoring total is middle of the road as the Rams have an explosive offense but the Cardinals are struggling to score this season. The “under” is the more popular call.
The Rams are listed at -330 on the moneyline, while the Cardinals are +271 underdog. Los Angeles is the more popular choice even though the payoff isn’t great.
Player To Watch
Blaine Gabbert -- The Cardinals are down to their third-string quarterback but he has actually played pretty well this season. Gabbert threw for 241 yards with two touchdowns and an interception last time out in a win over the Jaguars. It was impressive because Jacksonville boasts the best pass defense in the NFL and Gabbert was able to play well.
He made his debut two weeks ago, throwing for 257 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions in a loss to the Texans. Gabbert has not found much success throughout his career and is looking for a resurgence in Arizona.
So far, so good, but it has only been two starts. The Rams will aim to force him into turnovers. If Gabbert isn’t careful with the ball, Los Angeles could run away with this win.
Injury Report
Adrian Peterson -- The Cardinals’ running back is dealing with a neck injury he suffered last time out against Jacksonville. He didn’t practice on Wednesday and his availability for Sunday’s game is up in the air. Peterson is important to take pressure off Gabbert.
Deone Bucannon -- The Cardinals’ linebacker has a sprained ankle that may keep him out of this game. He is one of the team’s best tackles. Josh Bynes would likely fill in for Arizona, and he has done a nice job when pressed into action this year.
Robert Woods -- The Rams’ wideout seems unlikely to play in this one with a shoulder ailment. That will likely put Arizona star cornerback Patrick Peterson on Sammy Watkins, which will make it tougher on the Los Angeles passing game.
Free ATS Pick
The Cardinals played well last time out, but this team is a more well-rounded unit than the Jaguars. Los Angeles won 33-0 the first time, and while this one should be closer, the Rams are once again the choice. Gabbert will likely have his worst game of the year as Los Angeles should cruise.
Take the Rams to not only win this game but cover the spread as well. The “over” is the choice on the scoring total.
NFL Odds: Rams 28, Cardinals 19
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