The weekend would typically be over for the NFL’s Wild Card, however, the league’s schedule adjustment leaves one more game for Monday Night Football.
The Los Angeles Rams take on the Arizona Cardinals in the final matchup before next week’s Divisional Round.
Of course, the NFL tried to save the best for last. These two sides met twice in the regular season since they both play within the NFC West.
Los Angeles lost the first one at home by 17 points, but then returned the favor more recently. It defeated the Cardinals in Glendale by a score of 30-23 in December.
Although Texas sports betting isn’t here yet, residents can cross over nearby state lines to place a wager or two.
According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the Rams are laying -3.5 points at home. They feature moneyline odds of -180, while Arizona is available at +155.
Betting on Rams vs. Cardinals Wild Card
It’s usually interesting when divisional opponents face one another for a third time in the same year. Both coaching staffs are so familiar with the other team and what they’re trying to accomplish on the other side of the ball.
This scenario already played out this postseason when the Buffalo Bills hosted New England on Saturday night. The Bills won by a sizable margin, as they ended up winning the final two contests against their division rival.
Los Angeles looks to do the same to conclude the Wild Card and book its trip to Tampa Bay for next Sunday.
It finished the season on a hot streak, even though it blew its lead against San Francisco to allow another NFC West side into the playoffs. The Rams won five straight before dropping their Week 18 game.
Overall, they went 12-5, good enough to win the division and earn home field for this tilt.
The Cardinals also had an impressive campaign in 2021. Their record sat at 7-0 and then 10-2, however, they lost four of their last five to end the season.
Arizona’s offense scored 30 in a losing effort against Seattle, but it’s struggled of late. In its three defeats prior, Arizona averaged just 17 points.
Both offenses produced well for the majority of the year, though.
The Cardinals ranked eighth in yards per game, with the Rams just behind in ninth. LA was among the top 10 in points, with Arizona just outside in 11th.
As the playoffs have already shown, quarterback play is massive this time of year. These two franchises include two of the better options at the position in Kyler Murray and Matthew Stafford.
The former Detroit Lion threw for nearly 4,900 yards, placing him third. Murray was only around 3,800 yards passing, but he missed a few games. He contributed more than 400 yards on the ground, as well.
Rams vs. Cardinals props
It helps both signal callers that they have some incredible talent around them.
The Rams’ Cooper Kupp recorded one of the best seasons from a receiver ever. He posted 145 receptions for over 1,900 yards and 16 touchdowns.
Kupp and Stafford appeared to be mostly unstoppable during the regular season and need the connection to continue.
The offense lost wideout Robert Woods, but the trade for Odell Beckham Jr. looks like it’s paying off. He’s scored five times in eight games since being acquired by the Rams.
Part of the issue for the Cardinals down the stretch stems from not having their star receiver in DeAndre Hopkins. He’s only played in 10 tilts this year and won’t be around for this Wild Card finale.
Murray does have lots of others to distribute to, especially with the addition of tight end Zach Ertz. His newest target, along with Christian Kirk and A.J. Green, create plenty of issues for defenses.
DraftKings and most other online sports betting apps provide a lot of additional odds for every playoff matchup.
It shows both quarterbacks with a passing-touchdown total at 1.5 scores. The over is listed at -205 for Stafford, compared to +105 for Murray.
This discrepancy is because of Murray’s running ability around the goal line. He’s offered at +210 to be an anytime scorer, while his rushing total is set at 39.5 yards.
The online sportsbook features several player specials, too.
It provides odds of +350 for the Rams’ Kupp to haul in a catch of at least 50 yards. Bettors can also take Murray to throw for two touchdowns and run for another at +500.