Rams vs Cardinals Picks & Predictions for Week 2: Kupp Dominates Arizona's Secondary

Cooper Kupp is coming off a monstrous Week 1 performance and with Puka Nacua now sidelined with an injury, his name should get called just as much in Week 2. He highlights our Rams vs. Cardinals predictions below.

Ryan Gilbert - Betting Analyst at Covers.com
Ryan Gilbert • Betting Analyst
Sep 14, 2024 • 09:31 ET • 4 min read
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This article contains predictions for an old game!

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Cooper Kupp Los Angeles Rams NFL
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The Los Angeles Rams stay on the road to begin the season as they head to the desert to take on the Arizona Cardinals. Both teams are looking for their first wins after one-score losses in Week 1.

Our Rams vs. Cardinals predictions are going back to the well with Cooper Kupp after a stellar performance last week. Read more in my NFL picks below.

Rams vs Cardinals prediction

My best bet
Cooper Kupp Over 7.5 receptions (-160 at BetMGM)

My analysis
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp battled injuries in each of the past two seasons but looked fully healthy in Week 1 against the Lions, racking up 14 catches on 21 targets (!) for 110 yards. 

With sophomore wideout Puka Nacua suffering an in-game injury, Kupp became even more of a focal point in this offense. Matthew Stafford found him often, including on a 9-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter to take the lead.

Although the Rams couldn’t keep that lead, the connection between Stafford and Kupp was noticeable. His reception total closed at 5.5 for Sunday and he cleared that easily. Although this number is two catches higher, the Nacua injury looms large.

Furthermore, the Arizona Cardinals' secondary is one of the worst in the league. Beyond that, they struggle immensely against slot receivers, and that’s where Kupp can do a lot of damage. The oddsmakers are also expecting a lot of points in this one with the total set at 48.

After the Rams put up 20 points last week and the Cardinals lost 34-28 to the Bills, look for another high-flying game inside SoFi Stadium. That means a lot of points, a lot of drives, and a lot of chances for Kupp.

Rams vs Cardinals same-game parlay

Cooper Kupp 8+ receptions

Cooper Kupp anytime touchdown

Matthew Stafford 2+ passing touchdowns

I considered all of these for my best bet, so let’s throw them together in my SGP. With the aforementioned poor Arizona secondary, look for Stafford and Kupp to connect on a touchdown against this suspect secondary.

The Cardinals allowed multiple touchdown passes to nine quarterbacks last season, including a four-score performance from Stafford in Week 12.

Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.

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Rams vs Cardinals odds

Rams vs Cardinals live odds

Rams vs Cardinals opening odds

  • Spread: Los Angeles -2.5 | Arizona +2.5
  • Moneyline: Los Angeles -140 | Arizona +120
  • Over/Under: Over 49.5 | Under 49.5

Odds courtesy of BetMGM

Rams vs Cardinals spread and Over/Under analysis

  • The Rams actually opened as 2.5-point favorites but have moved all the way to 1-point road underdogs on the road.

  • The Cardinals have been bet up to home favorites with most of the bets coming in on them, but the Rams have received more money as of late Friday night.

  • The total has also moved a bit from 49.5 at opening to 48 with both the Over and Under at -110.

Rams vs Cardinals betting trend to know

The Rams have gone Over their team total in seven of their last eight games for +5.90 units and a 58% ROI. Find more NFL betting trends for Rams vs. Cardinals.

Rams vs Cardinals game info

Location: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ
Date: Sunday, 9-15, 2024
Kickoff: 4:05 p.m. ET
TV: FOX

Rams vs Cardinals latest injuries

Rams vs Cardinals weather

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Ryan Gilbert - Covers
Betting Analyst

Ryan Gilbert brings the passion and pain of being a Philadelphia sports fan. After graduating from Monmouth University with a finance degree, he now uses his statistical background to find inefficiencies in betting markets. With past stops at NHL.com, NBC Sports, and currently at Covers, Ryan's hot picks blend well with the cold ice of a hockey rink.

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