Rams vs Cardinals opening odds: LA is a one-point favorite in the desert

The Los Angeles Rams are on the hunt for a second straight sweep of an NFC West opponent, this time against the Arizona Cardinals, with the Rams opening up as 1-point favorites according to DraftKings Sportsbook. LA is looking to sweep the season series from Arizona for the first time since 2020 and the fifth time in Sean McVay’s seven seasons leading the charge.

The Rams came out of their bye a little sluggish as they trailed the Seahawks 16-7 entering the fourth quarter. LA decided to wake up as they scored 10 unanswered to defeat Seattle 17-16. Matthew Stafford made his 200th career start and it was a memorable effort even if it wasn’t his best outing. Stafford took monster hits but continued doing what he could to help out his team. Puka Nacua stepped up in absence of All-Pro Cooper Kupp (again) as the rookie led the Rams in receiving with five receptions for 70 yards and a touchdown in the first half. Grit and a little bit of luck came through for Los Angeles when it mattered as Seattle kicker Jason Myers missed a 55-yarder with seconds remaining.

Missed opportunities prevented the Cardinals from moving to 2-0 since Kyler Murray returned to the lineup as they lost 21-16 to Houston. Murray completed 20-of-30 passes for 214 yards with a touchdown and an interception, also rushing for 51 yards and a score. The Oklahoma product has started to play like his old self since tearing his ACL in December 2022. Arizona trailed 21-10 at halftime and held the Texans scoreless in the second half. Problem was that the offense failed on three occasions to produce a game-winning drive. The Cardinals’ defense held their own however, as they held rookie sensation C.J. Stroud to the worst game of his young career. Stroud was intercepted three times by Arizona, including a crucial one from cornerback Antonio Hamilton Sr. with 5:02 left to play.

Who do you trust more this week? Will the Rams actually show an ounce of consistency and decide to play a full four quarters? Or can the Cardinals rebound from a tough loss in Houston and win their third game of the season? LA was squeaked past the Seahawks and fortunately for them, Arizona is a far weaker opponent and that will show up in this one. Having Kyler Murray back does nothing to change my mind that this is a very winnable game for the Rams.

My pick is for the Rams to go over the spread and put together a complete game against the Cardinals in a decisive win to renew their slim playoff hopes. Who are you betting on in Week 12? Let’s discuss in the comments!