Published Dec 5, 12:14pm ET by
Paul Lebowitz - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Dec 5, 12:14pm ET
Grok AI
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| Arizona Cardinals | +9 (-125) |
| Los Angeles Rams | -9 (+105) |
LA was riding high as a consensus favorite for the Super Bowl when they traveled to play the upstart Panthers in Week 13. They had the #1 seed in the NFC. But after a 31-28 loss coupled with the Bears upsetting the Eagles, Chicago took over the top seed.
The Rams are more established and there are still questions about the Bears, but right now, LA would not get a bye, nor would they play at home in a potential NFC title game.
Against Carolina, QB Matthew Stafford was picked off twice and Carolina did a reasonably good job containing Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.
Deflected and picked by Nick Scott! Stafford’s 1st INT in 10 weeks.
— NFL (@NFL) November 30, 2025
LARvsCAR on FOX/FOX Onehttps://t.co/HkKw7uXnxV pic.twitter.com/mThD1VjJYF
When getting past the surprising result, it was likely just a trap game blip and is not an indicator of trouble ahead for Sean McVay and the Rams. They are +9 in takeaway differential, largely due to Stafford's ball security. Their defense has been solid, ranked near the middle in defensive passing and rushing yards allowed per game.
Running back Kyren Williams is dealing with an ankle issue. Adams has a hamstring problem. Both were limited in practice.
ALSO SEE: Broncos vs Raiders Week 14 Odds & NFL Pick (Dec 7)
| PLAYER | STATUS |
|---|---|
| Kyren Williams, RB | INJURED |
| Davante Adams, WR | INJURED |
| Poona Ford, DT | INJURED |
| Darious Williams, CB | INJURED |
| Byron Young, LB | INJURED |
| Kamren Kinchens, S | INJURED |
| Tutu Atwell, WR | INJURED |
| Quentin Lake, S | INJURED |
It didn't take long for the Cardinals' season to come undone. Kyler Murray underperformed and got hurt. Marvin Harrison Jr. has been poorly deployed and is perhaps overrated. James Conner got hurt. And head coach Jonathan Gannon is seemingly feeling the pressure.
It's difficult to envision Gannon back next season and they are presumably moving on from Murray. Jacoby Brissett is a good backup and a pro's pro, but he's not the answer.
They have fought hard enough this season. In the last two weeks, they were beaten by playoff contenders, the Jaguars and Buccaneers, each by 3 points.
Final fourth down play between the Cardinals/Buccaneers. pic.twitter.com/Ky1SGdf6lh
— Donnie Druin (@DonnieDruin) December 1, 2025
But they've played just well enough to lose and have made egregious errors, such as running back Emari Demercado dropping the ball before crossing the plane of the end zone against the Titans, helping Tennessee get their only win on the season.
Arizona should be able to move the ball through the air against LA. But they cannot get into a shootout with them.
| PLAYER | STATUS |
|---|---|
| Kelvin Beachum, OT | INJURED |
| Xavier Weaver, WR | INJURED |
| Greg Dortch, WR | INJURED |
| Emari Demercado, RB | INJURED |
| Marvin Harrison Jr., WR | INJURED |
| Trey Benson, RB | INJURED |
| Walter Nolen III, DT | INJURED |
| Max Melton, CB | INJURED |
| L.J. Collier, DE | INJURED |
| Kyler Murray, QB | INJURED |
In Week 14 Rams-Cardinals, LA needs a rebound after its surprising loss in Carolina. Their playoff run will be made much easier if they and their older veterans get the bye and they play the games at home. They know this. They also know that the Bears are probably going to slip up once or twice before season's end, so they will have every opportunity to regain the top seed in the conference.
Arizona is playing for pride, but they're depleted and looking toward the end of the season.
The Rams should win this game easily and cover the spread on the road.
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Pick
Los Angeles Rams -9
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