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The Arizona Cardinals faceoff against the Los Angeles Rams in LA this Sunday. The Cardinals have been a surprisingly gritty team this season, especially after their win against the Cowboys in week 3. Joshua Dobbs has been playing well, averaging 196 YPG passing and has thrown for 6 TDs and 2 INTs. James Connor has been a productive running back also, averaging 73 YPG, and has 2 TDs on the year. Unfortunately, Connor has been placed on IR due to a knee injury. The running game is now questionable for the Cardinals. 

The Rams are coming off a tough loss to the Eagles, losing 23-14 at home. The Rams activated Cooper Kupp from IR and against the Eagles had 8 receptions for 118 yards. With Stafford’s main receiving threat back in action, the Rams will be looking to overwhelm the Cardinals defense with the dual threat of Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua. Read my prediction, pick, and odds below.

Cardinals vs. Rams Date, Start Time, And Where To Watch

Date: Sunday, October 15, 2023

Start Time: 4:25  pm ET

Where to Watch: FOX

Cardinals vs. Rams Odds

Moneyline: Cardinals +260, Rams -325

Spread: Cardinals +7, Rams -7

O/U: 48.5

Cardinals vs. Rams Prediction

The Cardinals’ defense is ranked 22nd in rushing, allowing an average of 124 YPG. They are also ranked 27th in passing, allowing an average of 274 YPG. I believe this will be the problem when facing the Rams, who are currently ranked 4th in passing, averaging 290 YPG. This high ranking also came without the services of Cooper Kupp, who is now back in action. The Rams should have no problem passing the ball against the Cardinals. 

The Cardinals offensively rank 6th in rushing, averaging 143 YPG on the ground. Unfortunately, their stud running back James Connor is now on IR. It is yet to be known how effective their running game will be without Connor. The Cardinals will be relying on backup running back Emari Demercado. I believe their strong run game has been a major help to Joshua Dobbs success. He has been taking care of the ball, and only has 2 INTs this season, but the Cardinals have not been relying on Dobbs to take over games to win. Dobbs has been contributing in the running game though, and has 142 yards rushing with 1 TD so far this season. Dobbs may need to do more of that to make up for Connor’s absence.

I predict the Rams will cover the -7 spread against the Cardinals. The Rams will be able to effectively use both Kupp and Nacua and have a great passing game. Connor’s injury will prove to be too much for the Cardinals and Dobbs will be unable to match Stafford in the passing game to keep up. 

Cardinals vs. Rams Best Bet

Rams -7 (-325 @ Draftkings)