Marco D'Angelo

THE PLAY: Arizona Cardinals +12.5 (-107)

The Rams will likely be a popular public side after their Monday Night Football matchup, where both Josh Allen and Matthew Stafford moved the ball effectively. Bettors will also point to Arizona’s defensive struggles: the Cardinals have allowed 36, 36, and 45 points over the past three weeks.

However, this could be a difficult situational spot for Los Angeles. The Rams are coming off an emotional overtime loss in a high-profile primetime game, and teams often struggle to match that same intensity the following week. After three straight spotlight matchups—at Denver on Sunday Night Football, at Philadelphia, and then home against Buffalo on Monday night—the Rams could be vulnerable to a letdown.

Arizona may look like an easy opponent on paper, but that is exactly what makes this matchup dangerous for a double-digit favorite. If the Rams approach this game thinking they only need to show up to win, they could find themselves in a far more competitive game than expected.

The Cardinals have at least moved the ball consistently this season, scoring 21 or more points in four of five games. Los Angeles should still win, but it may lean more heavily on the running game after Stafford attempted at least 51 passes in three consecutive games. Establishing more balance would help the Rams control the tempo and avoid putting too much on the passing game again.

The Rams are the better team and should come away with the victory, but Arizona has enough offensive ability to stay within the number. Expect Los Angeles to win without covering the large spread.

TAKE ARIZONA +12.5