The Arizona Cardinals visit the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday in a game that can be seen on CBS. It is a “win and you are in the playoffs” scenario for both teams although the Rams could also make the playoffs if the Bears lose to the Packers. The Cardinals have no other option, as they will miss the playoffs with a loss. The Cardinals are hoping that quarterback Kyler Murray is healthy enough to play, while the Rams will be without starting quarterback Jared Goff. Let’s look at the matchup and NFL picks.
Watch this regular season NFL Week 17 matchup on Sunday, January 3 at 4:25 p.m. ET from SoFi Stadium. Catch the game live on CBS and bet on NFL odds at BookMaker.eu every day of the season.
NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Arizona Cardinals +1
Los Angeles Rams -1
Total 39.5
Odds Analysis
Most sportsbooks didn’t put out an early line on this game due to the status of both starting quarterbacks, but those that did had the Rams listed as a 4-point favorite. When it was announced that Goff was out, the line came out at a pick or Rams -1. The total opened much higher when it was thought Goff would play, as it was 44.5, but now the number is 39.5 with Goff out. There may be a huge overreaction by oddsmakers and bettors to the Goff injury. If you have watched the Rams play recently you would know that Goff has been terrible.
Maybe the Rams won’t be any better on offense with John Wolford at quarterback but they sure can’t be any worse.
Injury Report
Where do we start with the injuries in this game? On the Arizona side, Kyler Murray has a leg injury but head coach Kliff Kingsbury was optimistic that Murray would play on Sunday. I think it would take something dramatic happening in practice this week for Murray not to get the start. The Cardinals also have running back Chase Edmonds listed as questionable with a hip injury and his loss would really hurt, especially against the Rams defense, because Murray will need someone as a quick outlet for his passes.
On the other side we know that Goff is out. Los Angeles also has some problems at running back, as Darrell Henderson Jr. was hurt last week and is out for the season. The team is hoping that running back Cam Akers will return from his ankle injury and they badly need him.
Key Matchups
We know the Rams defense is going to be just fine against the Arizona offense so this game comes down to how well Wolford and the Los Angeles offense does against Arizona’s defense. Wolford has not taken a snap in the regular season for the Rams since being signed as an undrafted free agent out of Wake Forest in 2019. He did play eight games for the Arizona Hotshots of the Alliance of American Football. He played well in the preseason a year ago and was on the practice squad last season.
Head coach Sean McVay is confident in Wolford. “John’s done a great job preparing himself all year,” McVay said to the media, “I know there’s confidence from coaches and from his teammates. Guys will need to rally around him, but we’re excited about the opportunity that John will have to lead the offense this week.”
On the other side, if Murray somehow can’t go then Arizona is in huge trouble. The backup quarterback for Arizona is Chris Streveler, a former CFL player who most people have never heard of or Brett Hundley.
Game Trends
The Cardinals are 0-6-1 ATS in the last 7 meetings against the Rams. The Cardinals are 8-2-2 ATS in their last 12 games as a road underdog. The Rams are 7-3-1 ATS in their last 11 games as a home favorite. The Under is 7-0 in the Cardinals last 7 road games. The Under is 11-1 in the Rams last 12 games as a home favorite.
Free ATS Pick
Do you have any confidence in a Kliff Kingsbury team to win a big game? I sure don’t. I also know that while most people will be going against the Rams because Goff is out, I think it may help them. I expect Wolford to make a few plays and for the Los Angeles defense to shut down Murray, so I will take the Rams in this contest.
NFL Pick: Rams 24, Cardinals 13
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