The Rams and Cardinals both find themselves at 0-1 before a conference matchup in Week 2. The Lions beat the Rams in overtime, which was a tough loss for the Rams on the road. The Cardinals could not hold on to a lead against the Bills in Buffalo. Both teams came close to victory on the road in Week 1 but fell short, and now one of these teams will start 0-2.
The Lions beat the Rams 26-20 last week. Puka Nacua left the game early with a PCL sprain and was placed on the IR this week. Safety Quentin Lake (hip), who was a limited participant on Thursday, and cornerback Cobie Durant (toe) are both questionable to play. Linebacker Christian Rozeboom (hip) is also questionable after being limited on Wednesday.
The Cardinals held a 17-10 lead at halftime last week but were outscored 24-11 in the second half. They placed right tackle Jonah Williams (knee) on injured reserve this week. Backup cornerback Max Melton (concussion) was a limited participant on Thursday and is questionable.
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Rams vs. Cardinals Betting Preview
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
- Opening line: Rams -4
- Current line: Cardinals -1 (-110)
- Total: O/U 47.5
Can the Rams stop the run?
The Rams struggled against the run in Week 1. They allowed 163 rushing yards on 5.3 yards per attempt. They allowed a 70-yard drive to open overtime, which featured 45 yards from David Montgomery. The front seven looked gassed and could barely get a push against the Lions' offensive line.
The Cardinals finished with 124 rushing yards on 5.0 yards per rush against the Bills. James Conner played 67% of the snaps and received 19 touches for 83 total yards. Emari Demercado played 21% of snaps but did not receive any carries. Trey Benson played 13% of snaps and received four touches. Kyler Murray ran five times for 57 yards and should keep this Rams defense honest. James Conner will have running lanes, which should open up the offense if the Rams stack the box.
Can the Cardinals limit Cooper Kupp?
Cooper Kupp was the primary target without Puka Nacua in Week 1. He played 100% of snaps and received 21 targets, which he turned into 14 catches for 110 yards and a TD. The Cardinals allowed 232 passing yards last week, and Josh Allen threw for two touchdowns on 10.1 yards per attempt. He spread the ball out, but the Rams' passing game should be more concentrated.
Demarcus Robinson moved into the role vacated by Nacua and offers Matthew Stafford a solid target against this weak Cardinals' secondary. Stafford had the most pass attempts in Week 1 and could have the most again. The Cardinals allowed the third-highest yards per attempt, and Stafford is more than capable of dicing this secondary. Kyren Williams should also be involved in the passing game after receiving three targets in Week 1. The Cardinals were awful against the run last year and allowed 130 rushing yards in Week 1. Williams should be involved heavily this week in both areas of the offense. This game should be an offensive battle with two defenses trying to figure it out.
The pick: Over 47.5 (-112)
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