Rams vs. Cardinals: MNF Week 14 betting odds, preview, and pick

A battle that could go a long way in determining the overall NFL playoff picture will play out on Monday Night Football, with the Los Angeles Rams and Arizona Cardinals set to bring down the curtain on Week 14.

The Rams got back into the win column in emphatic fashion last week with a 37-7 drubbing of the Jacksonville Jaguars, while the Cardinals cruised past the Chicago Bears in Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins’ much-anticipated return to action.

Let’s dive into this NFC West clash and see which side bettors should be on.

Los Angeles Rams (8-4) at Arizona Cardinals (10-2), 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN

When the Cardinals have the ball

Murray threw just 15 times in his return game at Soldier Field, but that was probably not by design. Andy Dalton and the Bears practically handed Arizona the game with four interceptions. Chicago’s rush defense was also very accommodating, allowing 134 total yards to James Connor and Murray, who ran for two touchdowns and tossed another two.

The kid gloves should come off for Murray in this one, which spells trouble for L.A.’s 16th-ranked pass stoppers (238.3 yards allowed per game). Despite throwing for only 123 yards last week, Murray is still averaging 266.5 passing yards per game this season. He went for 268 yards and two touchdowns on 24-of-32 passing against this defense in Week 4, a 37-20 Cardinals triumph.

Chase Edmonds is a game-time decision for Arizona, but Kliff Kingsbury and company still boast touchdown machine Connor (nine all-purpose scores in his last six games) in the backfield to help vary the attack.

When the Rams have the ball

With Darrell Henderson out (reserve/COVID list), Sony Michel will once again be tasked with lead back duties. And while he acquitted himself well with 121 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries last week, bettors should take that with a grain of salt. Michel took on the dreadful Jaguars in Week 13, and has played second fiddle this year for a reason.

The Rams have been a pass-first team for most of 2021, but unfortunately for Matt Stafford, he’ll take on the Cardinals’ fifth-ranked pass defense by opponent passer rating (83.3). Stafford put up his third-worst passer rating of the campaign (89.5) when he lost to Arizona earlier this season, and that was with a healthy Robert Woods out wide.

Rams vs. Cardinals injury report

Rams and Cardinals betting trends

• The Rams are 2-5 ATS in their last seven road games
• The Cardinals are 4-0 ATS in their last four games against NFC West opponents
• The Cardinals are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games overall
• The Over is 9-1 in the Rams’ last 10 games as an underdog
• The Under is 8-0 in the Cardinals’ last eight Monday games

The verdict

The Cardinals seem to have an edge over the Rams, no matter how small, in just about every area. Arizona should cement their status as the NFC’s top team in this one.

Score prediction: Cardinals 27, Rams 20

NFL pick: Cardinals -2.5

Rams vs. Cardinals pick powered by The Quant Edge

Our predictive engine is calling for the Cardinals to win and cover the spread.