Cardinals vs. Rams Picks, Predictions & Betting Odds: The Injury Status of Kyler Murray Looms Large

Cardinals at Rams Picks, Predictions & Betting Odds

• Odds: Rams -5
• Over/Under: TBD
• Kickoff: 4:25 p.m. ET
• TV Channel: FOX

Odds as of Thursday evening and via DraftKings, where Action Network users get a risk-free bet up to $500.

This is a matchup between two teams with nothing to play for in Week 17, but a potential injury could provide some value in this game. Our experts preview the key matchups to watch and how they're betting divisional game.

Cardinals-Rams Injury Report

Which team is healthier? Rams

The healthier team is contingent on whether Kyler Murray (hamstring) suits up. Head coach Kliff Kingsbury said they were going to be smart about his status on Sunday. It’s also notable Christian Kirk (ankle) wasn’t listed on their Wednesday report after he was a game-time call last week.

The Rams have already ruled out Jalen Ramsey (knee) for this game and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them sit more of their injured players in this meaningless game. Head coach Sean McVay has already said he may sit some of their starters in this Week 17 finale. — Justin Bailey

Note: Info as of Thursday. See our Injury Report for daily practice participation and game statuses up until kickoff.

Biggest Mismatch

Rams TE Tyler Higbee vs. Cardinals Pass Defense

Arizona’s defense has been ruthlessly exploited by opposing tight ends to the tune of a league-leading 1,107 yards and 15 touchdowns on 89 catches this season — they’re essentially turning every tight end they face into the equivalent of Michael Thomas.

Higbee has enjoyed a fourth-year renaissance, breaking out for career-highs in catches (61), yards (650), and 100-yard games (four). He has topped the century mark in four straight games, including a 7-107-0 effort in Week 13 to get the streak started.

The over on Higbee’s receiving yards prop is 8-3 this season, and sportsbooks will struggle to set his Week 17 line high enough. — Chris Raybon

PRO System Match

Unders have been a smart play in division matchups as increased familiarity between teams creates a lower-scoring environment — unders have gone 843-744-29 (53.1%) since 2003.

It may seem obvious to some bettors, but it’s been more profitable to take the under in division games with high totals (more than 44 points) — it’s just easier for unders to cash when more points are expected to be scored.

Following this Pro System, bettors have gone 195-114-3 (63.1%) since 2003. A $100 bettor would have returned a profit of $7,135 following this strategy.

The Rams have been one of the most profitable over teams in 2019 going 9-6. The public will be tempted to bet the over but history implies the under is the better bet. — John Ewing

PRO Systems are data-driven betting strategies that turn winning long-term trends into easy-to-follow picks, all handpicked and monitored by our team of analysts. Try Action PRO now and instantly access real-time game matches for every PRO System.

Expert Pick

Matthew Freedman: Cardinals +5.5

With their 34-31 loss to the 49ers last week, the Rams have been officially eliminated from the playoff race, and big organizational changes are expected this offseason.

The Rams are in disarray, and they have no motivation for Week 17.

The Cardinals, though, are a young-and-hungry team with back-to-back wins and the desire to prove themselves. Kingsbury has flashed at points in his first year with the team, and Murray (hamstring) could win the Offensive Rookie of the Year award with a big game.

Given that Murray left Week 16 early with a soft-tissue injury, hold off on betting this game until we know more about his status, but if he's healthy enough to play, he provides an edge.

As road dogs, Kingsbury's feisty Cardinals are 5-1-1 against the spread (52.8% ROI).

Freedman is 542-411-22 (56.9%) overall betting on the NFL. You can follow him in our free app.