Arizona Cardinals (1-4) vs. Los Angeles Rams (2-3)
As the NFL charges into Week 6, the struggling Arizona Cardinals will journey to SoFi Stadium to lock horns with the Los Angeles Rams in what promises to be a crucial matchup for both teams. With early-season hiccups defining both teams’ narratives, bettors and fans scour football free picks to ascertain which team might emerge victorious.
For the Cardinals, the synergy between running back James Conner and wide receiver Marquise Brown is pivotal. Conner has been impressive, accumulating 364 rushing yards at an impressive 5.4 yards per rush, making him an essential asset for the Cardinals’ ground game. Paired with Brown’s receiving talent, who boasts 300 receiving yards with an average of 12 yards per catch, the Cardinals’ offensive firepower is evident.
On the other side of the ball, the Rams have been spearheaded by the performances of running back Kyren Williams and wide receiver Puka Nacua. Williams has managed to rush for nearly 300 yards, with a significant five touchdowns under his belt. Nacua, on the other hand, has been a reliable target in the passing game, racking up 572 receiving yards at an impressive 12.4 yards per catch.
Arizona Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Rams Game Info
When: | Sunday, October 15, 2023 at 4:25 PM ET |
Where: | SoFi Stadium |
TV: | FOX |
Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
Joshua Dobbs QB vs. Matthew Stafford QB
Joshua Dobbs, helming the Cardinals’ offense, has exhibited impressive potential. With a 65.8% completion rate, he’s showcased his accuracy, accumulating 980 yards in the process. What’s particularly encouraging for Arizona is his 6 touchdowns juxtaposed against a mere 2 interceptions, indicating solid decision-making under pressure. However, there’s room for concern; the 9 sacks he’s faced highlights vulnerabilities in the Cardinals’ offensive line, which needs to step up to offer better protection.
On the other side, the Rams’ seasoned quarterback, Matthew Stafford, carries with him years of experience. His total passing yards stand at a formidable 1451, painting the picture of a quarterback who isn’t afraid to air it out. But, it hasn’t been all rosy for Stafford. His touchdown-to-interception ratio is balanced at 5 apiece, suggesting moments of brilliance countered by lapses in judgment. Couple this with the 13 sacks he’s taken, and it becomes clear that while Stafford is a significant threat, there are chinks in his armor that the Cardinals might be able to exploit.
NFL Odds/Point Spread: Los Angeles Rams -280, Total Odds: 48.5
The Rams are favorites in this matchup, as reflected by the -280 moneyline. The point spread, favoring the Rams by 6.5 points, suggests oddsmakers anticipate a competitive game but with a clear edge for Los Angeles. The total, set at 48.5, indicates an expectation of a moderately high-scoring affair.
Arizona Cardinals Betting Trends
Arizona’s betting trends make for grim reading. They’ve seen the total go OVER in 5 of their last 6 games. A concerning 1-11 straight up (SU) in their last 12, and when up against the Rams, they’re 2-10-1 against the spread (ATS) and 2-11 SU in their last 13. Their road performance is a particular concern, with the Cardinals going 0-5 SU in their last five outings.
Los Angeles Rams Betting Trends
The Rams’ trends show a slightly brighter picture. They’ve covered the spread in 4 of their last 6 games (4-1-1 ATS). But with a 4-12 SU in their last 16, consistency remains an issue. Notably, despite having a favorable ATS at home, they’re 6-12 SU in their last 18 games when hosting Arizona, hinting at potential upsets.
Arizona Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Rams 10/15/23 Betting Picks
Based on the analysis and betting trends, the Rams seem the more stable bet, given their performance against the spread recently. The Cardinals, however, despite their challenges, have historically performed well at SoFi Stadium.
From a betting standpoint, while the Rams seem to be the safer pick, the Cardinals’ historically favorable performance at SoFi, combined with the Rams’ inconsistency, makes for an enticing proposition. For those involved in top online betting, the over might be worth considering given the trends on the total for both teams.
Free Pick and Prediction: Los Angeles Rams 28, Arizona Cardinals 24