NFL Saturday: Cardinals vs. Rams Expert picks, predictions, and best player props break down the final game of a jam-packed Saturday of NFL action!
Under the bright lights of SoFi Stadium, the Los Angeles Rams host the Arizona Cardinals in the final game of Saturday’s Week 17 slate. For the Rams, the stakes couldn’t be higher. While a victory won’t secure the NFC West outright, it would bring them to the brink of clinching the division. For Arizona, the road ends here. Eliminated from playoff contention, the Cardinals come into this matchup playing for pride.
The difference in motivation is palpable. The Rams are fueled by postseason aspirations, while the Cardinals are still reeling from a crushing overtime loss to Carolina. Los Angeles knows what’s at stake. Arizona? They seem to know the season is already over.
It’s another wild day of NFL action in a week, which will see games played on four of seven days. Let’s jump into our NFL Saturday: Cardinals vs. Rams Expert picks, predictions, and best player props!
Cardinals vs. Rams Betting Preview
All Cardinals vs. Rams odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct on Saturday, Dec. 28.
- Spread: Rams -6.5
- Moneyline: Cardinals +260| Rams -295
- Over/Under: 47.5
- Game Time: 8:10 p.m. ET
- Location: SoFi Stadium| Los Angeles, CA
- Predicted Weather at Kick: 66 degrees, Cloudy, 3 MPH Wind
- How to Watch: NFL Network
Cardinals vs. Rams Expert Picks, Predictions, and Best Player Prop Bets
The motivation for the Rams is clear. Win, and you win the NFC West and book your ticket to the playoffs. But it’s also a big-time revenge spot for the Rams. In Week 2 of this season, the Rams walked into Arizona and were humbled, a 41-10 loss to the Cardinals serving as a wake-up call. But today, these are two teams heading in vastly different directions.
That September afternoon, Los Angeles was without Puka Nacua, with Cooper Kupp leaving the game early. What followed was a rough 1-4 start to the season for the Rams, their offense struggling to find rhythm without its stars. Since then, everything has changed. The Rams have surged, winning eight of their last ten games, and their only losses have come to Super Bowl contenders Philadelphia and Miami. A win on Saturday secures the NFC West, a testament to their resilience.
Arizona, however, has unraveled. Once a promising team, the Cardinals are 1-4 over their last five games. Their offense, heavily reliant on the run, now faces uncertainty, with their top two running backs listed as questionable. For a passing game that has struggled all year, those injuries could be devastating.
Saturday feels like a statement game for the Rams, a chance to erase the memory of that early loss and stamp their place in the postseason. Against a Cardinals team with little to play for, expect Los Angeles to cover the -6.5 spread.
Kyren Williams – RB, Rams – Over 19.5 Rushing Attempts (-115)
In the Rams’ resurgence, Kyren Williams has been nothing short of remarkable. Over the past month, he has emerged as the beating heart of their offense, rushing for at least 87 yards in each of his last four games. In his last three outings, Williams has carried the ball no fewer than 23 times, a testament to the trust Los Angeles has placed in their lead back.
And why would they stop now?
Kyren Williams has been so solid the last 2 seasons
— Dynasty Trade Calculator™⚖️ (@FFDynastyTrades) December 22, 2024
The Arizona defense has struggled mightily against the run, ranking among the league’s bottom five in Rush EPA per play allowed (-0.023). This sets the stage for Williams to once again shoulder the workload and keep the chains moving. The Rams’ ability to dominate on the ground will likely hinge on Williams’ efforts, and all signs point to him being up to the task.
Yes, their last meeting with Arizona told a different story. Williams had only 12 carries that day, but that game was a blowout—a script that took the running game out of the equation early. This time, with the stakes higher and the Rams in control of their destiny, expect a more balanced attack. And expect Kyren Williams to lead the charge.
Matthew Stafford – QB, Rams – Under 30.5 Passing Attempts (-115)
There’s a rhythm to the Rams’ recent success, a balance they’ve struck between the arm of Matthew Stafford and the legs of Kyren Williams. And it’s that balance that has defined their resurgence.
Stafford hasn’t thrown more than 30 passes in a game since Week 12, a contest against the Eagles where Los Angeles found itself in a 20-7 hole early in the second half. Forced to play catch-up, Stafford aired it out. But that’s not the Rams’ identity right now. They’re leaning on a more grounded approach, one anchored by Williams and a renewed commitment to the run game. You could even pair these two props together in a correlated parlay.
Matt Stafford first 9 games:
9 TD
7 INTLast 4 games:
10 TD
0 INT pic.twitter.com/sJ1UcQbp4f— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) December 9, 2024
With Los Angeles entering Saturday as 6.5-point favorites, the game script favors a methodical attack. Should the Rams build an early lead, the need for Stafford to drop back and sling the ball diminishes. This opens the door for Williams to carry the load and for Stafford’s pass attempts to remain modest.
For those eyeing the betting board, this is where opportunity lies. Playing these props as separate bets makes sense, but they align in a way that feels cohesive, even complementary. If the Rams stick to their formula, Stafford’s attempts should stay low, and Williams will likely shine once again.
Best Bets:
- Rams -6.5
- Kyren Williams OVER 19.5 Rushing Attempts (-115)
- Matthew Stafford UNDER 30.5 Passing Attempts (-115)
