by Rod Pearson
Friday, Oct 16, 2026
Game Time: 4:05 pm ET, Sunday, October 18, 2026
Venue: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA
Where to Watch: FOX
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
DraftKings: Point Spread: Cardinals +12.5, Rams -12.5; Over/Under: 51.5 points
Bet365: Point Spread: Cardinals +12.5, Rams -12.5; Over/Under: 51.5 points
BetMGM: Point Spread: Cardinals +12.5, Rams -12.5; Over/Under: 52 points
Season Record
Arizona Cardinals: 1-4 (4th place, NFC West)
Los Angeles Rams: 2-3 (3rd place, NFC West)
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Recent Form
Arizona Cardinals: lost their last game at home against the Detroit Lions 45-21.
Los Angeles Rams: lost their last game at home against the Buffalo Bills 37-34 in overtime.
Arizona Cardinals vs Los Angeles Rams Preview and Analysis
The Cardinals are entering this game with a 1-4 record overall and they have a 0-2 record in their divisional games too. They are 0-2 in their home games, 1-2 in their road games, and they are also 0-0 in their neutral site games this season, but they will be on the road for this game. They lost their last game against the Detroit Lions 45-21. Jacoby Brissett was the starting QB and he completed 29/47 passes for 292 passing yards, 3 touchdowns, and 1 interception. Jeremiyah Love led the team in rushing yards with 22. Kendrick Bourne led the receivers with 70 receiving yards on 5 receptions. Budda Baker led the defense in that game with 11 solo tackles while Budda Baker, Roy Lopez, and Baron Browning each led the defense in sacks with 1. No one on the defense came away with an interception for them in that one.
The Rams are entering this game with a 2-3 record overall and they have a 0-1 record in their divisional games too. They are 1-1 in their home games, 1-1 in their road games, and they are also 0-1 in their neutral site games this season, but they will be at home for this game. They lost their last game against the Buffalo Bills 37-34 in OT. Matthew Stafford was the starting QB and he completed 40/54 passes for 383 passing yards, 3 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. Kyren Williams led the team in rushing yards with 49 and 1 TD. Puka Nacua led the receivers with 138 receiving yards on 17 receptions and 1 TD. Nate Landman led the defense in that game with 13 solo tackles while Josaiah Stewart led the defense in sacks with 1. Jaylen Watson came away with the only interception for them in that one.
Cardinals vs Rams Prediction
The current betting odds have the Rams listed as a 12.5 point favorite in this game according to Draftkings Sportsbook. The Rams haven't looked great in their games this season with their 2-3 record overall which has them right near the bottom of the NFC West. They haven't looked great on their home field either with their 1-1 home record this season. Meanwhile, the Cardinals have looked terrible in their games this season with their 1-4 record overall which has them right at the bottom of the NFC West. They haven't been a good road team either with their 1-2 road record this year. The Cardinals had a hot start to the season with an upset win over the Chargers, but the Chargers are still winless 5 weeks into the season and the Cardinals have lost 4 games in a row now. They have been one of the worst teams in the NFL for years and nothing has changed for them this season. They have made some strides with their new head coach, but they don't have a good QB and a lot of their talent is now injured. They are coming off a 45-21 loss to the Lions in their last one, giving the Lions a nice feel good win, and the Rams definitely need one of those themselves. The Rams are coming off a 37-34 loss to the Bills in their last one and they had every chance to win that game, but they made some big mistakes and now they will be looking to bounce back here. This is a great opportunity for them to get right with a big win against one of the worst teams in the NFL. The Rams haven't had a great start to the season, but they still have one of the most talented rosters that has been getting healthier now and they are going to put the pieces together sooner or later, this being a great game for them to do so. The best way to place a bet here is on the Rams to cover the spread in this game.
Cardinals Rams Prediction: Our NFL Pick for Sunday, October 18, 2026 (4:05 pm ET start time) is Rams 35 Cardinals 13.
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NFL Betting Trends
Arizona Cardinals: 1-4 ATS in all games where the total is greater than or equal to 49.5. 4-8 ATS versus poor rushing defenses - allowing 4.5 rushing yards/carry or more. 3-6 ATS vs. bad defensive teams who give up 24 or more points/game. 10-4 OVER after allowing 30 points or more last game. 9-3 OVER versus good offensive teams - averaging 350 yards/game or more.
Los Angeles Rams: 6-0 ATS off an upset loss as a favorite. 7-2 ATS after allowing 30 points or more last game. 11-6 ATS after playing a game at home. 9-5 OVER versus division opponents. 10-4 OVER after a game with a turnover margin of +2 or better.
Key Injuries
Arizona Cardinals: B. Baker (S) Injured - Rest. I. Seumalo (OG) Injured - Rest. J. Sweat (LB) Injured - Rest. D. Duvernay (WR) Injured - Ribs. A. Wingard (S) Injured - Knee. K. Crawford (S) Injured - Ankle. J. Love (RB) Injured - Ankle. W. Williams Jr. (S) Injured - Concussion.
Los Angeles Rams: K. Curl (S) Injured - Ankle. K. Trost (OG) Injured - Hamstring. N. Landman (LB) Injured - Wrist. C. Parkinson (TE) Injured - Shoulder. A. Bachman (WR) Injured - Rest. D. Allen (TE) Injured - Foot. J. Wallace (CB) Injured - Shoulder. O. Speights (LB) Injured - Knee.
Notable Quotes
“Anytime there's a blowout like this, it starts with coaching." - Mike LaFleur after his team’s loss against the Lions in their last game.
“The kicking game, with our PAT, field goal (unit) — not even close to good enough. It cost us the game tonight. I'm going to evaluate everything.” - Sean McVay after his team’s loss against the Bills in their last game.
Starting Lineups
Arizona Cardinals
WR Brooks, Jalen
WR Wilson, Michael
WR Bourne, Kendrick
TE McBride, Trey
QB Brissett, Jacoby
RB Allgeier, Tyler
Los Angeles Rams
WR Adams, Davante
WR Nacua, Puka
WR Mumpfield, Konata
TE Higbee, Tyler
QB Stafford, Matthew
RB Williams, Kyren
Statistical Leaders
Arizona Cardinals
Passing: Jacoby Brissett (1,110)
Rushing: Jeremiyah Love (245)
Receiving: Trey McBride (308)
Touchdowns: Trey McBride (3)
Los Angeles Rams
Passing: Matthew Stafford (1,572)
Rushing: Kyren Williams (343)
Receiving: Davante Adams (441)
Touchdowns: Kyren Williams (5)
Coaches:
Arizona Cardinals: Mike LaFleur (1st season)
Los Angeles Rams: Sean McVay (10th season)
Rod Pearson
About the Author:
Rod Pearson has been a rabid sports fan his entire life. He grew up in Ontario, and was skilled in both hockey and baseball, and pitched in an elite baseball league for many years. In 2022, Rod decided to hang up his glove, so that he could write about the sports he loves -- but from a gambling perspective. Join Rod every day as he breaks down the games to find the best betting value.
