The 2022 NFL Playoffs wild-card round wraps up with the first Monday Night Football in playoff history, so we bring you the best Cardinals vs. Rams betting pick along with the latest odds update on MyBookie Sportsbook.

The Cardinals and Rams split their regular-season set, as each team won on the road. Arizona hammered Los Angeles 37-20 at SoFi Stadium in Week 4, while the Rams responded with a 30-23 win in Week 14. LA is a 4-point fave for this playoff contest, while the totals are listed at 49.5 points.

The Cardinals dropped four of their last five games   

The Arizona Cardinals (11-6; 10-7 ATS) finished the regular season with a 38-30 defeat to the Seattle Seahawks. It was their fourth loss in the last five outings, so the Cardinals had to settle down with the No. 5 seed in the NFC.

Arizona has mightily struggled with injuries in the second half of the 2021 NFL season. The Cardinals have some serious worries ahead of Monday’s clash against the Rams, as DeAndre Hopkins remains on the sideline with a knee injury. James Conner (ribs) is questionable to play after missing Thursday’s practice, while J.J. Watt is expected to return which would be a massive boost for the Cards’ defense.

The Cardinals were 7-0 with J.J. Watt on the field in 2021. With Watt on the shelf, Arizona went 4-6. The Cardinals were yielding 21.5 points per game (tied-9th in the NFL) on 114.8 rushing yards (20th) and 214.4 passing yards (7th).

On the other side of the ball, Kyler Murray tossed for 3,787 yards, 24 touchdowns, and ten interceptions in 14 appearances. He also posted 88 carries for 423 yards and five scores. James Conner had 15 rushing touchdowns and 18 in total, while Christian Kirk added 77 receptions for 982 yards and five touchdowns.

The Rams suffered a tough loss in Week 18          

The Los Angeles Rams (12-5; 8-9 ATS) put an end to their five-game winning streak in the ultimate week of the regular season. They suffered a 27-24 overtime defeat to the San Francisco 49ers, blowing a 17-point first-half lead.

The Rams failed to beat San Francisco in 2021 mostly because they struggled to cope with the Niners’ physical play at the line of scrimmage. Interestingly, the Rams are surrendering just 103.2 rushing yards per game (6th in the NFL), but the 49ers showed everyone how to beat LA.

On the offensive side of things, Cooper Kupp led the way for the Rams with 145 receptions for 1947 yards and 16 touchdowns. Odell Beckham Jr. had 7 catches for 305 yards and five scores in eight appearances, while Van Jefferson added 50 receptions for 802 yards and six touchdowns.

Sony Michell led the Rams’ backfield with 845 yards and four touchdowns on 208 totes. He’s been outstanding down the stretch, posting 540 rushing yards in the last six contests. Matthew Stafford has thrown for eight touchdowns and eight interceptions over the previous four weeks, and he’ll have to do a much better job in the playoffs if he wants to beat the Cardinals.

Trends:

Arizona:

  • 8-1 ATS in the last nine games on the road  

LA Rams:

  • 3-7 ATS in the last ten outings as favorites

Arizona Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Rams Pick

The Rams should come out on top in front of the home fans, but with four points on the table, I’m backing the Cardinals to cover. Arizona was terrific away from home this past regular season, going 8-1 SU and ATS in the process. The Cardinals can keep it close in this one, especially if J.J. Watt suits up.

With Watt on the field, Arizona should have enough firepower to slow down the Rams’ passing offense. Putting pressure on Matthew Stafford will be a key for the Cardinals, who have gone only 1-9 SU and 1-1-8 ATS in their previous ten meetings with the Rams.

Pick: Take Arizona Cardinals +4.0 at -110                   

The Total:

The Cardinals will upset the odds only if their defense steps up and keeps Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp in check. On the other side of the ball, the Cardinals’ offensive line will have a mountain to climb against the Rams’ front seven, so I’m going with the under even though both regular-season encounters between these two teams produced more than 50 points in total.

Los Angeles should be looking to run the ball a lot against Arizona’s D and open some space for Kupp, Jefferson, and Beckham. The under has hit in four of the Rams’ last five outings at home.

Pick: Go under 49.5 points at -110