Cardinals vs. Rams Total Bet 10/3/21
NFL Football Week 4
Date/Time: Sunday October 3rd, 2021. 4:05PM (EST)
Where: SoFi Stadium Inglewood, C.A.
TV: FOX
Point Spread: ARI +6.5/LAR -6.5 (Risk less each bet >>> Why lay -110 when you can lay -105???)
Over/Under Total: 53
Last week, the Los Angeles Rams dismantled the reigning Super Bowl Champions in a 34-24 victory to remain unbeaten. The Buccaneers needed a garbage-time touchdown to make the final score look more respectable. In reality, Tom Brady was swarmed in the backfield, which stymied Tampa’s offense, and Rams QB Matthew Stafford looked tremendous for the 3rd straight week in Sean McVay’s offense. Needless to say, the Rams have quickly established themselves as a frontrunner in the NFC, firing on all cylinders through the opening weeks of the season. On Sunday, the Rams will get another stiff challenge when they host the unbeaten Arizona Cardinals at SoFi Stadium.
Another team that has not disappointed through the opening weeks of the season revolves around the 3-0 SU Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals remained unbeaten by knocking off the Jaguars 31-19 in Jacksonville last weekend. Despite a rare mediocre performance from QB Kyler Murray, the Cardinals leveraged a defensive touchdown and another pair of touchdowns from backup running back James Conner to grind out the victory. Now, the Cardinals’ flashy offense will get the difficult challenge of facing off with one of the NFL’s top defenses. Last week, we saw Tom Brady struggle against the Rams’ dynamic defense. Now the question is, will a mobile dual-threat talent like Kyler Murray be able to generate more success?
Rams offense thriving with QB Matthew Stafford
As everyone is aware, Matthew Stafford’s acquisition by the Rams was one of the biggest blockbuster moments of the offseason. A lot of people questioned if Stafford would be the right fit for Sean McVay’s offense after several disappointing seasons in Detroit. If a three-game sample is sufficient for determining if the off-season trade has worked, the Rams have to be ecstatic in the production they have gotten from the offense. Stafford is completing 70% passing, averaging over 300 yards per game, and has five touchdowns with just one pick on the season. WR Cooper Kupp has been phenomenal, while Robert Woods and Van Jefferson provide the threats to keep defenses honest. Even with the losses of RB Cam Akers (preseason) and the recently sidelined Darrell Henderson Jr, the Rams continue to find production in the backfield; most recently with Sony Michel.
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Simply put, Stafford’s success is opening up the entire offense, and when you combine those factors with the dynamic Rams’ defense, this is truly a dangerous team on both sides of the football. For this Sunday’s match-up against Arizona, I expect the Rams’ offensive success to continue. While Arizona has improved on the defensive side of the ball, they still have holes in the secondary which will be exploited by the masterful play calling of Sean McVay. The Cardinals have not faced an elite passing offense thus far this season, and I am expecting we will see some concerns this week. This is the same defense that signed Malcolm Butler over the offseason to help with the secondary, and Butler retired just four months after the signing. Against corners Robert Alford and Byron Murphy, this is a strong match-up for the Rams receiving corps.
Arizona Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Rams Total Prediction
The reason this game is slightly difficult to predict is the uncertainty around Arizona QB Kyler Murray. When Murray is on his game, he is an unstoppable dual threat. Throw in one of the leagues’ top receivers in DeAndre Hopkins and an extremely talented receiving corps; the Cardinals have the talent to battle this Rams defense. My fear for backing the Cardinals is that I am not convinced they will have the protection to keep Murray upright. Murray can make plays on the run, but I fear that the Rams defensive front could cause disruption to force a few turnovers. Therefore, I really think the play here is Over 55. The Cardinals have not been in a low-scoring game this season, and I expect the game script will favor another high-scoring affair, especially if the Rams have a fast start. Therefore, I am going to side with the over 55 as I believe it is the best bet for this match-up.
Jay’s Pick to Cover the Point Spread: Over 55. Bet your Week 4 NFL picks for FREE by taking advantage of a 100% REAL CASH bonus on your first deposit of $100 to $1000 at Betnow!
