Written By: Evan Perkins
Exciting NFL action is on the horizon when the Los Angeles Rams (0-1) travel to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, to take on the Arizona Cardinals (0-1) on Sunday, September 15 at 4:05 pm E.T. The Cardinals are slight favorites at home with a point spread at -1.0 (-110).
The Rams fell short in their overtime battle with the Detroit Lions, which ended 26-20 in their NFL season opener. They could not slow down the Lions in critical moments, allowing them to gain big plays on the ground and with passing.
Matthew Stafford had a big game in the air for the Rams, completing 34 of his 49 passes for 317 yards. While he did complete a touchdown, he threw an interception. Cooper Kupp was strong, with 14 receptions for 110 yards and a touchdown.
On paper, the Rams were close to synonymous with the Lions in total yards, turnovers, and even first downs. They even had the ball longer when looking at possession time, but they were unable to make additional plays when needed to succeed.
Against the Cardinals, they will need to deal with dual-threat quarterback Kyler Murray. They have an excellent opportunity to win if they can stop the running game.
The Cardinals also seek their first win after a 34-28 loss to the Buffalo Bills in their opener. They had a 17-10 lead going into the half, but they finished the third quarter down after allowing the Bills to add 14 points without an answer from the Cardinals.
Murray completed 21 of 31 passes, had 162 yards and a touchdown, and led rushing with five Carrie's for 57 yards. If he is leading their run game, it does not paint the best picture. This would allow the defense to make adjustments for the Rams since Stafford can likely out-threw him.
The Cardinals compiled 270 yards, 18 first downs, and a turnover. They allowed 352 yards and 23 first downs on defense and forced a turnover. Against the Rams, they will need to force Stafford into uncomfortable plays to create turnovers for a shot at winning.
If Murray has another game with rushing that is not valued much, he could be placing the team in a bad position to win. While there is a time for scrambling to work, he is at his best when throwing the ball to receivers who will make plays.
The best NFL betting odds can be found through MyBookie for the Los Angeles Rams vs. Arizona Cardinals game. Current odds reflect the Cardinals as one-point favorites.
Betting trends reveal the Cardinals have a 45.6 percent chance of winning overall. The Rams should have an edge after a close battle against the Lions, as their offense looked great.
