Sean McVay gets his favorite NFC West opponent at an ideal time, with the Los Angeles Rams hosting a struggling Arizona Cardinals team at SoFi Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 18.
Los Angeles is favored by 12.5 points, and my Cardinals vs. Rams prediction and NFL picks expect the Rams to capitalize on an Arizona defense that has struggled to keep opponents off the scoreboard all season.
TOP Pick
Cardinals vs Rams prediction: Rams -12.5
As long as the Los Angeles Rams don't climb above -13.5, I'm laying it.
Motivation is always a concern with a double-digit favorite, but Los Angeles is 2-3 and can't afford to let the San Francisco 49ers run away with the division. Despite the losing record, the Rams still rank second in my power ratings.
Meanwhile, the Arizona Cardinals have lost four straight and failed to cover three of those contests, allowing an NFL-worst 32.4 points per game.
The matchup gets worse without Arizona running back Jeremiyah Love. Los Angeles ranks third in quarterback pressure rate, according to Pro.NFL.com, which will make life miserable for quarterback Jacoby Brissett.
COVERS INTEL: Per ESPN, the Rams have better line of scrimmage win rates in all four metrics: pass protection, run-blocking, pass-rush, and run-stopping, which is one of the most predictive aspects of handicapping football.
Cardinals vs Rams combo
Los Angeles can do most of the heavy lifting for this combo. If the Rams jump on Arizona early, Brissett will have to chase points while Matthew Stafford and the offense keep creating scoring opportunities. Los Angeles is 4-0 to the Over in its last four games against teams with a losing record.
Eventually, Rams RB Kyren Williams will be in position to finish drives and help Los Angeles protect a comfortable lead on the ground. Williams has five total touchdowns in five games this season (four rushing and one receiving).
Arizona doesn't need to turn this into a shootout, either. A couple of Cardinals touchdowns should be enough, as I'm expecting the Rams to put up points in the mid-30s.
Cardinals vs Rams combo
- Rams -12.5
- Over 51.5
- Kyren Williams anytime touchdown
Cardinals vs Rams touchdown scorer: Michael Wilson
I like Michael Wilson's anytime touchdown probability up to 33%, as I'm anticipating plenty of garbage time, while LA's offensive stars are too expensive for me as standalone touchdown picks.
Wilson also has history in this matchup. He caught three touchdown passes in two games against the Rams last season and is already Arizona's most-targeted wide receiver.
His opportunity should only grow after Marvin Harrison Jr. was traded to Houston. If Arizona spends most of the second half chasing points, Wilson should see enough volume to give him a shot at finding the end zone.
- Top picks: 7-8, -1.70 units
- Combos: 4-11, +6.07 units
Cardinals vs Rams odds
For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.
- Spread: Cardinals +12.5 | Rams -12.5
- Over/Under: Over 51.5 (53%) | Under 51.5 (52%)
- Moneyline: Cardinals 14% | Rams 89%
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Cardinals vs Rams weather
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Cardinals vs Rams trend to know
Los Angeles is 15-4 against the spread vs. Arizona in the Sean McVay era (est. 2017). Find more NFL betting trends for Cardinals vs. Rams.
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How to watch Cardinals vs Rams
| Location | SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, Calif. |
| Date | Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 4:05 p.m. ET |
| TV | FOX |
Cardinals vs Rams latest injuries
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