Cardinals-Rams Betting Preview: Is LA Worth Backing as Massive Favorite?

Betting odds: Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams

• Spread: Rams -13
• Over/Under: 45
• Time: 4:05 p.m. ET
• TV channel: FOX

Betting Market: After this line opened at -10 when they were released, the market has seriously shifted in the Rams’ favor following their Monday Night Football win against Oakland.

They are a firm 13-point favorite across the market, now, but bettors aren’t shying away. Seventy-two percent of spread bettors are on LA, while 60% of moneyline bettors are laying the crazy price for them to win straight up, which sits between -700 and -1000 at the time of writing (you can find updated data here). — Mark Gallant

Injury watch: The Cardinals aren't guaranteed to have right tackle Andre Smith (elbow) or tight end Jermaine Gresham (Achilles), but David Johnson (back) is still tentatively expected to suit up despite limited practice on Wednesday.

The status of defensive linemen Markus Golden (knee), Robert Nkemdiche (foot), and safety Budda Baker (ankle) should be clear by the final report.

The Rams lost ace returner Pharoh Cooper (ankle) to injured reserve, but are otherwise healthy on the offensive side of the ball. Still, the defense could have to go another week without starter Mark Barron (ankle). — Ian Hartitz

Note: All injury info as of Thursday 9/13 at 5:30 pm ET. Please visit our Week 2 Injury Dashboard for updated daily practice participation and game statuses up until game time.

DFS edge: Cooper Kupp has a fantastic matchup, as he’s expected to run the majority of his routes against Arizona' Baker in the slot, PFF’s 10th-best WR/CB matchup for Week 2.

Kupp should remain the primary security blanket for Jared Goff, and despite a low 9.2 average depth of target in Week 1, Kupp's consistent usage on high-efficiency plays are especially valuable on a full-PPR scoring format such as DraftKings. — Joe Holka

Did you know? In the past 20 years, only one team has closed as a two-touchdown underdog against a divisional opponent in its first two games of the season: The 1999 Cleveland Browns.

The Cardinals aren't far off as 13-point underdogs at the time of writing. — Evan Abrams

Bet to watch: Cardinals +13

Call me crazy, but me thinks there has been a bit of an overreaction from the public and bookmakers when it comes to both the Rams and the Cards.

Los Angeles won in prime time, which the public loves, and the Cards lost ugly to a team the public is against, the Redskins.

The true power-rated spread on this game should be 9.5 or 10, so I’ll take the value. — Chad Millman

Editor’s note: The opinions on this game are from the individual writers and are based on their research, analysis and perspective. They are independent of, and may not always match with, the algorithm-driven Best Bets from Sports Insights.