Los Angeles Rams vs. Arizona Cardinals, 9/16/18 Predictions & Preview

Rams vs. Cardinals Spread Prediction

Following their dismal performance at home versus the Redskins last week, the Arizona Cardinals are double-digit road underdog versus the L.A. Rams on Sunday. Will the Cardinals have a bounce-back performance or will the Rams roll?

Game Snapshot

279 Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams

4:05 p.m. ET, Sunday, September 16

Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, CA

Public Betting Trends

According to oddsmakers from online sports book BetNow.eu, the Rams are 13-point favorites to beat the Cardinals. The total, meanwhile, sits at 44.5 points. As of this writing, 61% of the public betting tickets are on the Rams to cover the point spread.

Arizona Cardinals

Christian Kirk is expected to "get more opportunities" in Week 2 against the Rams. This follows comments from coach Steve Wilks earlier this week. Kirk and Chad Williams combined for five targets in the season opener. Kirk's rookie status has him behind Williams in two-wide sets, but we like his chances of overtaking the starting role.

Los Angeles Rams

Rams LB Mark Barron (ankle) is doubtful for Week 2 against the Cardinals. ILB Ramik Wilson and S Marqui Christian will split time in Barron’s stead for the second consecutive week. It's a terrific opportunity for Ricky Seals-Jones on the opposite side of the ball as Raiders TE Jared Cook recorded a ridiculous 9-180 receiving line against the Rams' interim LBs in Week 1. Barron should be considered week-to-week moving forward.

NFL Betting Trends

Arizona

The Cardinals are 5-20-1 against the spread in their last 26 games after allowing more than 350 total yards in their previous game.

Los Angeles

The Rams are 17-37-1 against the number in their last 55 games played in the month of September.

Prediction

This point spread feels inflated, especially for a divisional matchup. The Rams are playing on a short week having traveled to Oakland on Monday night and while the Cardinals could do nothing against the Redskins last weekend, I expect a small bounce back today. Arizona isn’t going to pull off a big upset but the Cardinals certainly have enough talent to stay within two touchdowns. I see this as a buy back opportunity with the Cardinals.

NFL Week 2 Prediction: Arizona Cardinals +13