Cardinals vs Rams prediction and analysis

Game Overview

The Los Angeles Rams (9-3) travel to State Farm Stadium to face the Arizona Cardinals (3-9) on Sunday afternoon. On paper this is a classic mismatch: a top-10 Rams team in both offense and defense against a rebuilding Cardinals roster that has struggled to close out games. The market currently lists Arizona as about an +8.5 underdog with an over/under near 47.5.

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What to Watch

Matchups and momentum matter here. The Rams are rolling offensively behind Matthew Stafford and an elite receiving tandem, and they bring a stingy defense that thrives on creating short-field opportunities. Arizona, meanwhile, has shown flashes — Jacoby Brissett’s efficient passing and Trey McBride’s heavy target volume are real positives — but the Cardinals have been inconsistent in late-game situations and often struggle to sustain drives.

• Passing attack: Stafford’s rhythm and the Nacua/Adams connection present a mismatch for a Cardinals secondary that has had mixed results all season.
• Front-seven vs. pocket mobility: The Rams’ pass rush (notably Byron Young) can make life difficult for Brissett, who is better when clean and on rhythm.
• Third-down defense: Los Angeles ranks among the league leaders at getting off the field; Arizona needs to convert on third down to keep drives alive.
• Tempo and turnovers: Arizona’s special teams and quick-strike plays can flip momentum, but turnovers late in games have been lethal for the Cardinals.

Key Factors

Rams form and balance. Los Angeles has won six of seven and plays a complementary style: a high-efficiency passing game (Stafford connecting consistently with Puka Nacua and Davante Adams) balanced by a productive rushing attack led by Kyren Williams. That balance makes the Rams hard to defend and helps protect leads.

Cardinals’ inconsistency. Arizona’s offense has capable components — Brissett manages the game well and Trey McBride commands targets — but the Cardinals have a pattern of losing when ahead late in games and failing to close out possessions. Their defensive numbers are mediocre, especially versus explosive passing offenses.

Coaching and situational trends. Sean McVay’s club responds well after losses and is also one of the more profitable ATS teams this season. Arizona has struggled in December home games against NFC West rivals historically, and that trend is likely to continue unless Arizona controls time of possession and limits quick-strike damage.

Betting Angle & Totals

With Arizona listed around +8.5, this becomes a question of how comfortable you are laying more than a touchdown with a team as consistent as the Rams. I favor the Rams straight up and see value at -8.5 — Los Angeles has the offense to build a multi-score lead and a defense that makes it difficult for the Cardinals to rally late.

On the total (47.5), expect a lower-scoring game than stadium history might suggest. Los Angeles’ defense is adept at forcing three-and-outs and turnovers, and Arizona’s late-game collapse tendency often suppresses scoring. I lean toward the under here, but the game can still see quick scoring swings if Arizona hits a few chunk plays.

Final Prediction

Why I’m taking the Rams: Los Angeles controls the pace, owns the matchup at receiver vs. the Cardinals’ secondary, and has a defense that can turn possessions into points for its offense. Arizona’s late-game failures and inconsistent defensive play make covering a 8½-point line unlikely.

Projected score range: Rams 27–34, Cardinals 10–17. Expect LA to win by roughly 10 points if they play to form.

Prediction: Los Angeles Rams -8.5