A pair of NFC West rivals do battle in Week 17 as the division-leading Los Angeles Rams look to extend their win streak to five against the Arizona Cardinals.
My Cardinals vs. Rams anytime touchdown prop picks will look for Trey McBride to finally pick up his first TD of the season while I’ll also back Cooper Kupp to find the paydirt.
It's time to round out our NFL picks with this December 28 clash.
Cardinals anytime touchdown pick
Trey McBride anytime touchdown
+160 at BetMGM
Trey McBride has certainly had a productive season for the Arizona Cardinals, but it’s also been a baffling one for the tight end.
McBride leads all Cardinals receivers in receiving yards (958), receptions (92), targets (120), and first downs (51), yet he somehow hasn’t scored a touchdown.
Per MSN, the Colorado State product is actually on pace to become the NFL’s all-time leader in targets, receptions, and receiving yards in a single season among players who didn’t score a single touchdown. But I think that could change on Saturday night against the Los Angeles Rams.
Despite the team’s 9-6 record, L.A.’s passing defense has been middling at best, ranking 27th in opponent yards gained per pass attempt (7.6) and 25th in opponent TD% (5.1).
The Rams have allowed just four TDs to tight ends this season, but players in that position have amassed 858 receiving yards (ninth) on 82 receptions (10th) against L.A.
With the weather calling for clear skies and little wind, Cardinals QB Kyler Murray should be looking for his favorite passing option early and often, and we could finally see McBride get off the schneid.
Rams anytime touchdown pick
Cooper Kupp anytime touchdown
+120 at BetMGM
The Rams have been such a run-heavy team this year with RB Kyren Williams accounting for 13 of their 34 touchdowns. However, Cooper Kupp has been one of the few productive wide receivers for L.A. this season and I’ll be looking for him to cash in on Saturday night.
Kupp has cooled off over the last two weeks with just three receptions and 24 yards total in his last two games, but he was on fire just before that with four TDs from Week 11 through 14.
The eight-year veteran has generally been Matthew Stafford’s go-to option with a team-high 97 targets, while Kupp also ranks second on L.A. in receiving TDs (six), receiving yards (681), and receptions (66).
Kupp has also shown an ability to make big plays as he’s recorded nine 20+ yard receptions, most recently snagging a 37-yard catch against the Bills in Week 14.
The Cardinals have surrendered just 18 passing touchdowns this season, though seven of those have come in their last five games during a 1-4 skid. Clearly, there’s been some falloff in Arizona’s passing defense and Kupp could capitalize on that.
Not intended for use in MA.
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