Hoping to extend their undefeated record, the Arizona Cardinals (3-0) travel to take on the St. Louis Rams (1-2). The NFL’s fifth-leading receiver, Larry Fitzgerald (333 yards, 5 TDs), is a player to keep an eye on in this game. Kickoff is at 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday, Oct 4 and will air on FOX.
The game marks the first of the season between the two NFC West rivals. The Cardinals have been victorious in the last three over the Rams, going back to the 2013 season. Frostee Rucker led the Cardinals defensive effort in the last meeting, recording four tackles and one sack. T.J. McDonald led the defensive effort for St. Louis, recording seven tackles.
The Rams are a six-point underdog against the Cardinals and the Over/Under (O/U) for the matchup is sitting at 43 points.
The Cardinals have performed above expectations so far this year. Their 3-0 records Straight Up (SU) and Against The Spread (ATS) are a noteworthy start. Arizona’s defense could have an advantage on the Rams and their struggling run game this season. St. Louis averages 71.3 rushing yards per game, ranking 29th in the NFL. In the first quarter, Arizona is a tough challenge, putting up a league-leading 11.7 points in the first 15 minutes. One of the least penalized teams in the NFL, Arizona isn’t likely to make too many blunders this week. They average only 37 penalty yards each game.
Shifting to the opposition, the Rams head into Week 4 with records of 1-2 for both ATS and SU.
Predictions: SU Winner – Ari, ATS Winner – Ari, O/U – Under
Notes
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Arizona’s last 6 games.
Arizona is 17-7 SU in its last 24 games.
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Arizona’s last 6 games at home.
Arizona is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games at home.
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Arizona’s last 14 games when playing St. Louis.
Arizona is 13-4 SU in its last 17 games when playing St. Louis.
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Arizona’s last 11 games when playing at home against St. Louis.
Arizona is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against St. Louis.
St. Louis is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Arizona.
St. Louis is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Arizona.
St. Louis is 1-0 SU when leading at the start of the fourth quarter this season. Arizona is 3-0 SU when carrying a lead into the fourth quarter.
Arizona is rated higher in the ground game on both sides of the ball. Its 11th-ranked rushing attack will face the 25th-ranked run defense of St. Louis, while its 12th-ranked run defense will look to contain the 29th-ranked rushing game of the Rams.
