Prediction, odds and tips for Rams vs. Cardinals for NFL Week 2

The Rams travel to Arizona looking to rebound from their Week 1 loss to their division rivals, the Arizona Cardinals. It's time to continue our NFL odds series with a Rams-Cardinals prediction and pick.

Los Angeles (0-1) had a rough first three quarters against the former NFC North Champions Detroit Lions, but they were able to rallied in the 4th quarter and force overtime. Unfortunately, the Lions decided the show in overtime with a David Montgomery touchdown that defeated the Rams and gave them their first loss of the season. Not only did they lose Week 1, but they also lost a key player on their offense as Puka Nacua sustained a knee injury and was just placed on the injured list, keeping him out of action for over 4 weeks for the season. It will be up to Cooper Kupp, Kyren Williams, and supporting cast like Demarcus Robinson and Tyler Johnson to fill that void in hopes of picking up their first win of the season in Week 2 against the Arizona Cardinals.

Arizona (0-1) got off to a good start in Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills, but once Josh Allen got into the rhythm, they took control of the game. Kyler Murray led the team with 219 all-purpose yards and looked like the old Kyler Murray out there. While the offense still needs some work with new offensive linemen like Marvin Harrison Jr., this Cardinals offense is one to watch in the NFC once the chemistry starts to blossom. The Cardinals will look to rebound in their first home game of the season when they host their division rivals, the Los Angeles Rams, in Week 2.

Here are the NFL odds, courtesy of FanDuel.

NFL Odds: Rams-Cardinals Odds

Los Angeles Rams: +1.5 (-115)

Money line: +102

Arizona Cardinals: -1.5 (-105)

Money line: -120

Over: 47.5 (-110)

Under: 47.5 (-110)

How to watch Rams vs. Cardinals

Time 4:05 p.m. ET/1:05 p.m. PT

TV: FOX

Stream: fuboTV (Free Trial)

Why the Rams could cover/win the spread

The Los Angeles Rams are on the verge of a decisive away win against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 2 despite a narrow loss in the season opener.

Matthew Stafford's veteran leadership and talent on the throwing arm will be on full display against a vulnerable Cardinals secondary. While the loss of Puka Nacua is significant, Cooper Kupp remains a top-notch pass receiver and Stafford's ability to distribute the ball will keep Arizona's defense off balance.

The Rams' running game, led by Kyren Williams, will take advantage of the Cardinals' run defense. Williams has played well against Arizona in the past, and this matchup presents an excellent opportunity to prove his dominance in the trenches.

Defensively, the Rams' pass rush, even without Aaron Donald, should be able to put constant pressure on Kyler Murray. The Cardinals' offensive line is still developing, and the Rams' starting seven players will exploit this weakness to disrupt Arizona's offensive rhythm.

Sean McVay's coaching skills will be a key factor. His ability to make in-game adjustments and exploit mismatches will give the Rams a distinct advantage over a Cardinals team that has yet to find its identity under a new coaching staff.

The Rams' secondary, led by veteran players, will keep the Cardinals' receivers, including rookie sensation Marvin Harrison Jr., in check. This will put Murray in uncomfortable situations and potentially lead to turnovers.

Expect the Los Angeles Rams to pull out a hard-fought road win, improve their record to 1-1, and maintain their position as a contender for the NFC West.

Why the Cardinals could cover/win the spread

The Arizona Cardinals are ready to get their first win of the season when they host the Los Angeles Rams in Week 2.

Kyler Murray's dynamic playmaking skills will be the cornerstone of Arizona's success. The Cardinals' offense showed promise in Week 1, scoring 28 points against a strong Buffalo defense. Murray's dual-threat skills will keep the Rams' defense off balance, especially with their injury-depleted secondary.

The Cardinals' defense, which limited the Bills' potent offense to just 34 points, will benefit from the Rams' offensive line woes. Los Angeles dealt with significant injuries on the offensive line in Week 1, which will hamper their ability to protect Matthew Stafford and establish a consistent running game.

Home field advantage will play a crucial role. State Farm Stadium has always been a challenge for the Rams, and the Cardinals will benefit from the energy of their home crowd.

Arizona's receiver corps, led by rookie Marvin Harrison Jr., Trey McBride and Greg Dortch, should be successful against a Rams secondary that is dealing with numerous injuries, opening up opportunities for explosive plays further down the field.

The injury-related loss of Rams' rookie sensation Puka Nacua further weakens Los Angeles' offensive power and puts even more pressure on an already struggling unit.

The Cardinals coaching staff, led by Jonathan Gannon, had a full week to analyze the Rams' Week 1 weaknesses and develop a winning game plan. Expect the Arizona Cardinals to emerge victorious from this crucial NFC West duel, improve their record to 1-1, and gain early momentum in the division race.

Final prediction and pick for the Rams-Cardinals game

Expect these two offenses to go full steam ahead in this Week 2 game against two secondaries that lack talent. The bookies seem to be underestimating Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp and Co. in this game against a young Cardinals team that is still trying to gel together. Ultimately, this Rams offense should be buzzing on Sunday and their defense should put enough pressure on Murray to disrupt this offense and get their first win of the season on the road against the division rival Arizona Cardinals.

Final Rams-Cardinals Prediction and Pick: Los Angeles Rams ML (+102), Over 47.5 (-110)