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Cardinals vs Rams Odds, Spread, Picks, and Predictions for 2022 NFL Wildcard Matchup

Bryan Thiel

by Bryan Thiel in NFL Football

Updated Jan 16, 2022 · 5:01 PM PST

Aaron Donald pass rush, Los Angeles Rams
Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald (99) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)
  • The Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Rams wrap up Super Wild Card Weekend on Monday Night
  • 2021 Regular season record: 11-9, -0.63 units
  • See the Cardinals vs Rams odds ahead of Monday’s kickoff from SoFi Stadium at 8:15 pm EST

The Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Rams couldn’t get enough of each other in the regular season. The NFC West rivals will meet up one more time on Monday night to cap off Super Wild Card Weekend.

After they split the season series, it’s a winner-take-all rubber match with a spot in the Divisional round on the line.

While the Rams’ 12 wins were just one better than the Cards, it was enough to give them the NFC West title. That means they’ll have home field advantage when things kick off from SoFi Stadium at 8:15 pm EST on Monday night.

Cardinals vs Rams Odds

Team Moneyline Spread Total
Arizona Cardinals +155 +3.5 (-110) Ov 49.5 (-110)
Los Angeles Rams -180 -3.5 (-110) Un 49.5 (-110)

Odds as of January 16th at DraftKings

Ahead of Monday night, the Rams have settled as 3.5-point favorites. In terms of performance against the spread, LA was 4-0 ATS from Weeks 12-15, but 0-2 in Weeks 16 and 17. The Cards were far less fortunate, covering just once in their last five. The under was 2-2 in LA’s last four and 1-3 for the Cards, but NFL public money is backing the over on Monday night.

To keep up with all of the action from Wild Card weekend, be sure to download your printable NFL playoff bracket.

Cardinals vs Rams Injury Report

The Cards got bad news on the injury front early in the week. It was revealed receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who has been sidelined since Week 14 because of knee surgery, won’t be available.

While their offense has adjusted without him, Hopkins’ absence is still massive. But if there’s good news, it’s that they should be getting JJ Watt back.

Wild Card Weekend Injury Report

Cardinals Injury, Status Rams Injury, Status
James Conner, RB Ribs, Questionable Taylor Rapp, S Concussion, Out
Jonathan Ward, RB Knee, Questionable Van Jefferson, WR Shoulder, Questionable
Rondale Moore, WR Ankle, Questionable Buddy Howell, RB Hamstring, Doubtful
Jordan Phillips, DE Knee, Questionable N/A N/A
Marco Wilson, CB Shoulder, Questionable N/A N/A
Justin Pugh, OL Calf, Questionable N/A N/A

The Rams are dealing with a number of injuries themselves. Week 18 was devastating to their secondary, as safety Jordan Fuller suffered a season-ending ankle injury. That was the reasoning behind the Eric Weddle signing.

Taylor Rapp suffered a concussion in Week 18 as well, further depleting the secondary.

Cardinals vs Rams Recent History

Being that this is a divisional matchup, bettors have a lot to go.

The first meeting between the two was in Week 4, which the Cardinals won. LA got revenge in Week 14, which put them in control of the division.

Cardinals vs Rams: Last Five Meetings

Date Away Team Home Team Result Closing Line Total
December 29, 2019 Arizona Cardinals LA Rams 31-24 LAR LAR -7.0 46.0 (Over)
December 6, 2020 LA Rams Arizona Cardinals 38-28 LAR LAR -2.5 49.0 (Over)
January 3, 2021 Arizona Cardinals LA Rams 18-7 LAR LAR -1.0 42.0 (Under)
October 3, 2021 Arizona Cardinals LA Rams 37-20 ARZ LAR -4.0 49.5 (Over)
December 13, 2021 LA Rams Arizona Cardinals 30-23 LAR ARZ -2.5 51.5 (Over)

Whether it`s been Jared Goff or Matthew Stafford for the Rams, this rivalry hasn`t been short on points. For those wondering, the lone under on the table is a Chris Steveler vs John Wolford extravaganza.

Dating back to 2017 the Rams are actually 9-2 against the Cardinals, but Kyler Murray wasn’t on the scene until 2019. While Murray dropped that first career start 34-7, three of the four games since (excluding January 3) have been decided by 10 points or less.

AJ Green, Christian Kirk Need to Step Up

The Cardinals will figure out a way to get production out of their running game. Even though their backs are banged up, Murray is always a threat to take off. So there will be yards to be had there.

But with both starting safeties out for the Rams, ‘Zona’s passing attack needs to click. Fast.

AJ Green, Christian Kirk: Weeks 15-18

AJ Green
VS
Christian Kirk
26 Targets 33
12 Receptions 24
194 Yards 264
16.2 Yards per Reception 11.0
0 Touchdowns 1

The fact that rookie receiver Rondale Moore has been out of the lineup hasn’t helped matters either. Even if he plays though, you have to wonder how the ankle will hold up.

Kirk and Green each logged 16 receptions of 20+ yards this year, and Kirk will have to continue to threaten all levels of the defense on Monday.

Cardinals vs Rams Prediction

If the Rams were at full strength, the under would feel like a consideration here. But losing two safeties the same week? That causes confusion on the back end, and confusion could lead to points. And that doesn’t even take into account LA’s explosive offense.

Despite the injuries, this still feels like an LA win, as Matt Stafford walks away with his first career postseason win.

The Pick: 1 unit; Over 49.5 (-115) 1 unit

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