The Arizona Cardinals (3-0) successfully stretched their unbeaten run to three games after a lopsided 47-7 trouncing of the San Francisco 49ers in Week 3. They’ll be aiming to extend this run even further when they play host to the St. Louis Rams (1-2) this coming Sunday for what’s expected to be an exciting NFC West showdown. Can they do it? Read on below for a full breakdown of this matchup.
For more Week 4 game previews, you can click here for Jaguars vs. Colts and here for Lions vs. Seahawks.
[sc:Football ]St. Louis Rams vs. Arizona Cardinals Preview
Where: University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona
When: Sunday, October 4, 4:25 PM ET
Line: St. Louis Rams (+7) at Arizona Cardinals (-7); total: 42.5– see all NFL lines
TV Broadcast: FOX
Betting on the St. Louis Rams
The St. Louis Rams’ season-opening victory over the Seattle Seahawks is looking more and more like a fluke as they suffered their second-consecutive loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, 12-6. They have now racked up a total of just 16 points in their last two defeats.
[sc:NFL240banner ]It’s worth noting that the Rams didn’t make it easy for the Steelers in this game. Their defensive line was huge reason to this as that managed to garner five sacks—three on Ben Roethlisberger and two on Michael Vick—and limited the Steelers’ returning star running back Le’Veon Bell to a mere 62 yards on 19 carries.
Furthermore, QB Nick Foles did all he can to lead his team the right direction with a valiant effort, finishing the game 19-of-28 for 197 yards and two sacks despite the loss. He and the rest of the Rams will look to put an end to their losing skid when they pay the undefeated Arizona Cardinals a visit for their NFC West division showdown this coming Sunday.
Once again, St. Louis will be the underdogs in this clash opposite a fearsome Cardinal’ team that boasts a balance attack on the ground and through the air. Across three games this season, they’re averaging 124.7 rushing yards and 9.1 yards per catch, which is among the highest in the league right now.
However, the Rams won’t be easily overwhelmed by this, as they’ve been a nightmare matchup for quarterbacks this campaign. They’ve compiled an NFL-best 13 sacks thus far in their previous three contests.
As for the offense, the Rams need to solve the puzzle to their struggles in the running game. Against Pittsburgh, they only garnered 71 yards on 18 attempts. The pair of Tre Mason and Todd Gurley can definitely attest to this as both combined for only 25 yards on 19 rushes during that game.
St. Louis is 2-3 SU and 3-2 ATS in its past 5 games as the underdogs.
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Betting on the Arizona Cardinals
It’s a bit too early to say, but the Arizona Cardinals are looking poised to win the NFC West. They proved that by improving to 3-0 on the season after a dominant 47-7 victory against the Colin Kaepernick-led San Francisco 49ers on Sunday at the University of Phoenix Stadium.
The Arizona defense prevented Kaepernick to find a rhythm on offense. He was only 9-for-19 for 67 yards along with four interceptions and two sacks, while scoring the 49ers’ only touchdown in the game.
Of course, this win wasn’t also possible without another solid showing from quarterback Carson Palmer. Palmer completed 20 of his 32 throws for a total of 311 yards and registered two touchdowns, both to Larry Fitzgerald. The veteran receiver had a second-consecutive monster game with 134 yards on nine receptions.
Heading towards their Week 4 matchup with the St. Louis Rams, the Cardinals will strive to sustain their momentum and overpower their opponents on the scoreboard. So far this season, they are averaging a league-high 42 points per contest.
All eyes are going to be on Palmer, who holds a 91.1 QBR in the last three games, once again in delivering another notable performance to lead Arizona to its fourth-straight victory. But their quarterback’s current success has also been due to the efficiency of top wide receiver Fitzgerald, and running back, Chris Johnson.
Fitzgerald has been huge over his previous two outings, as he’s compiled a total of 246 yards on 17 carries and five touchdowns under his belt. Johnson, meanwhile, is making the most of all his touches by rushing 182 yards on 42 carries along with a pair of TDs in the same stretch.
Arizona is 4-1 SU and ATS in its previous five games as the favorites.
Writer’s Prediction
Cardinals remain unbeaten with a 35-17 triumph over the Rams.
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