The NFL can breed delusion. Teams that are good think they can win a Super Bowl. Teams that are mediocre think they can sneak into the playoffs. Teams that are terrible count moral victories.
But on Monday, two teams that both have legitimate reasons to believe they could be the No. 1 seed in the NFC and are contenders to play in Super Bowl LVI — the Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Rams — will meet one another in Phoenix.
This NFC West matchup between the Rams (8-4) and Cardinals (10-2) could heavily impact which team wins the division. A victory for the visiting Rams would tighten the race and bring the Cardinals back to the pack in the conference.
Despite the fact the Cardinals are the top team in the NFL, the betting odds list them as a favorite of less than a field goal.
Arizona Cardinals Vs. Los Angeles Rams Betting Odds
| SPORTSBOOK | SPREAD | MONEYLINE | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | Rams +2 (-110) Cardinals -2 (-110) | Rams +115 Cardinals -135 | O 51 (-110) U 51 (-110) |
| BetMGM | Rams +2.5 (-110) Cardinals -2.5 (-110) | Rams +110 Cardinals -130 | O 52 (-110) U 52 (-110) |
| Caesars | Rams +2.5 (-110) Cardinals -2.5 (-110) | Rams +115 Cardinals -135 | O 51.5 (-110) U 51.5 (-110) |
| FanDuel | Rams +2.5 (-110) Cardinals -2.5 (-110) | Rams +118 Cardinals -138 | O 51.5 (-114) U 51.5 (-106) |
- Arizona has nine wins against the spread this season.
- The Rams have five wins against the spread this season.
Also Read: 5 tips for betting on the Arizona Cardinals
MVP Candidate Clash: Kyler Murray Vs. Matt Stafford
Like a rickety dining table, the NFL Most Valuable Player Award race is tilted dramatically to one-half of the league — the NFC. The AFC is absent strong candidates this season, but the NFC has several players enjoying MVP-worthy seasons, including both of the quarterbacks in this divisional matchup.
Kyler Murray has guided the Cardinals to the best record in the NFL, and he currently holds the highest QBR in the league (112.2). LA’s Matthew Stafford is second with a rating of 106.3, and he ranks third in passing yards and second in passing TDs (30). Despite a few lackluster performances in the middle of the season, Stafford is on pace for his second 5,000-yard passing season and a career-high in touchdown passes.
The Arizona QB throws far fewer touchdown passes than Stafford, but he doesn’t throw as many interceptions either. And Murray’s legs have scored five TDs this season to go along with 19 TD passes. While Tom Brady might win the MVP again down in Tampa Bay, that’s far from being decided. Murray’s performance in Monday’s game against Stafford and the Rams can serve as a showcase for his MVP aspirations.
Also Read: BetMGM Arizona offering new users additional free $50 bet
Betting Recommendation: Cards Win a Shootout at Home
In Week 4, the Cardinals went north to Los Angeles and spanked the Rams, putting up 37 points. Murray threw two TD passes, and the Cards also punched in two scores on the ground. It was a thorough thumping by the Redbirds, who flew circles around the horns of the Rams.
Why should we expect it to be different with the Cardinals playing at home in the desert?
Give the points and bet the over for this Monday Night Showcase of quarterbacks and west coast division rivals.
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