Los Angeles Rams at Arizona Cardinals Expert Pick – September 15, 2024

Two teams at the bottom of the NFC West will face off in week two. Both teams played well and lost to high-caliber teams, but one of them will start 0-2. The Rams are dealing with a few injuries already, and the Cardinals have some questions about their offense. Read more Los Angeles Rams at Arizona Cardinals Expert Pick.

It should be an exciting matchup between two teams trying to steer their season in the right direction.

Kickoff

When: Sunday, September 15, 2024 @ 4:05 PM EST

Where: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ

TV: FOX

Houston Texans vs. Indianapolis Colts Odds

Odds courtesy of DraftKings

Los Angeles Rams

The Rams lost to the Lions last week in Detroit, 26-20. The Rams had the lead with four and a half minutes to play but could not finish the victory on defense and lost in overtime.

Puka Nacua was placed on the injured reserve due to a PCL sprain and will miss at least four weeks. Tackle Joe Nootboom and guard Steve Avila were also placed on the IR. Safety Quentin Lake (hip) and cornerback Cobie Durant (toe) are both questionable.

Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals lost to the Bills in Buffalo in week one, 34-28. The Cardinals were up 17-10 at the end of the first half but did not score in the third quarter.

Tackle Jonah Williams (knee) was placed on injured reserve on Wednesday. Cornerback Max Melton is questionable as he deals with a concussion, and wide receiver Xavier Weaver (oblique) is in danger of missing this game.

Los Angeles Rams vs. Arizona Cardinals Head-To-Head

Injuries are already a factor for both teams, as the Rams lost Puka Nacua to the IR, and the Cardinals lost a right tackle. It will likely play a small role in the game, but both teams have good matchups. The Rams allowed 163 rushing yards to the Lions and could not push up front. They also looked worn out in overtime, which is typical for the first week. The Cardinals ran for 124 yards and should be able to move the ball on the ground this week. James Conner was not efficient, but he was up against a tough front seven. He was efficient last year, so I am not putting too much stock into week one. He should get the ball early and often against this front.

Marvin Harrison Jr. only had one catch in his debut and only got targeted three times. It was a less-than-ideal debut, but I believe it was matchup-based. The Bills play a lot of two high coverage and try to limit deep passes. Kyler Murray should prioritize him more this week as he adapts to professional football.

The Rams immediately made Cooper Kupp the main cog of their offense when Nacua left the game. He caught 14 of 21 targets for 110 yards and a TD against the Lions. He should continue to get the ball a lot as Demarcus Robinson becomes the second wide receiver. The Cardinals’ secondary allowed an average of 8.9 yards per pass attempt last week. Stafford should be able to sling it all over the field if he chooses, especially if the secondary remains banged up.

Prediction

Over/Under

The total for the game is 47.5, and I would take the over. These defenses did not prove anything to me in week one, and both offenses have a lot of playmakers. OVER 48 

Spread

The Cardinals are a one-point favorite, and the moneyline is as close as it gets. I would bet the Cardinals -1 and trust that Kyler Murray can make plays with his arm and legs. CARDINALS -1

Player Prop

I will give another touchdown scorer and make it two in a row. The Cardinals and Rams were tied for the second-most TDs allowed to tight ends last season. Colby Parkinson will get most of the work at tight end for the Rams and is +320 to score. COLBY PARKINSON TD +320