NFL Week 3 picks: Los Angeles Rams to win over Arizona Cardinals

The Los Angeles Rams will have their NFC West divisional matchup against the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL Week 3 on Sunday at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

Both the Rams and the Cardinals are on a 1-1 win-loss record ahead of this weekend’s matchup. In the Week 1 of the NFL, the Rams were knocked out by the Bills 31-10, but they managed to win the Week 2 game against the Atlanta Falcons with a dominating 28-3 win.

Meanwhile, the Cardinals lost 44-21 in their Week 1 game against the Kansas City Chiefs but then secured a 29-23 OT win against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 2.

Teddy Ricketson of DraftKings Nation predicted that the Rams would cover the spread against the Cardinals with their better performance on defense. The Rams are favored to cover with a -3.5 spread, while the Cardinals are the underdog with +3.5.

The moneyline for the Rams is at -175 to win the game, while DraftKings Sportbook provided the odds for the Cardinals at +150.

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Game prediction

Covers predicted the game for the Rams to win if their main quarterback Matthew Stafford could pass the ball for more and utilize wide receiver Cooper Kupp’s receiving ability. Both Stafford and Kupp combined for three touchdowns this season.

Stafford, who threw three interceptions against the Bills in Week 1, improved himself when playing against the Falcons in Week 2. He is expected to have more chances to score against the Cardinals, as they are graded as “the worst team” in defense, according to Pro Football Focus.

The Rams can rely on their primary pass rusher, defensive tackle Aaron Donald, on defense. Despite only having one sack this season, Donald is still regarded as an “absolute terror” by opposing quarterbacks, according to Covers. With Donald on the field, the Rams have a chance to stop Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray.

Next Gen Stats

2022-09-18 23:13

Kyler Murray traveled 84.9 yards on his successful two-point conversion scramble, the most distance traveled by an offensive ball-carrier on a two-point conversion attempt in the NGS era (since 2016). #AZvsLV | @AZCardinals https://t.co/tGeZvMgjdn

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Murray performed well this season by tallying three passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown. He only gave up for interception once. However, his numbers drop when facing a pass rush and his passer rating was given at 35.4 when under pressure, compared to 103.3 when he did not get himself pressured.

For their defense, the Cardinals’ defensive end JJ Watt is still struggling to recover from a calf injury, while their defense needs to guard Stafford and Kupp on the Rams’ offensive play.

On the other hand, Covers predicted that the Rams’ pass rush could stop the Cardinals’ offense that may utilize their passing game for more as running back James Conner is questionable due to his ankle injury, ESPN’s Josh Weinfuss reported.

The Cardinals also confirmed LB Ezekiel Turner would be out from the game against the Rams due to suffering an ankle injury.

Meanwhile, CB David Long (groin) and WR Van Jefferson (knee) have been ruled out for the Rams’ game against the Cardinals.

Despite playing on the road, Covers projected the Rams would have the advantage on offense and defense based on previous game results and roster situation. As revealed by multiple sources, the Rams could win the game with a comfortable victory.