Rams vs. Cardinals Week 14 Picks: Crucial Battle for NFC West Title

Monday Night Football features the 8-4 Los Angeles Rams and 10-2 Arizona Cardinals. This massive NFC West showdown could determine how the entire conference plays out in the playoffs. We're breaking down the betting matchup with our Rams-Cardinals picks.

The NFC West has not disappointed this season, producing elite conference competitors in the Rams and Cardinals. The No. 1 seed in the NFL, the Cardinals, have survived tough injuries and Covid protocols en route to a 10-2 record and 9-3 record against the spread. They'll be in a powerful position if they can sweep the Rams.

Meanwhile, the Rams have not helped backers profit thanks to a 5-7 ATS record. They're as inconsistent as any team, going 1-5 ATS in their last six despite being so talented. They must treat this as a must-win game in order to have a shot at winning the division.

Here are my picks and predictions for the NFL Week 14 matchup between the Rams and Cardinals (odds via DraftKings; pick confidence based on a 1-to-5 star scale).

Editor's note: The Rams placed CB Jalen Ramsey and TE Tyler Higbee on the COVID-19 list on Monday and neither will play against the Cardinals.

Rams vs. Cardinals Game Info

Date/Time: Monday, Dec. 13, 8:15 p.m. ETTV: ESPNLocation: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZWeather: Indoors

Rams vs. Cardinals Odds Analysis

The Cardinals opened as 2.5-point favorites and the market has either stayed the same or slightly decreased to -1. The Cardinals are a great team, but beating the Rams twice will prove difficult. The Rams have won eight of the last 10 matchups between these teams, and it's rarely been competitive.

Meanwhile, the total has dipped a little bit from 52.5 to 51. This is the correct direction and I think it could stand to go down even a few more points. Nonetheless, we'll take full advantage of this number.

Rams vs. Cardinals Picks

Cardinals -2.5 (-110) ????Under 51 (-110) ????

SEE ALSO: All NFL Picks

Rams vs. Cardinals Predictions

Cardinals -2.5 (-110)

Arizona appears fully healthy finally and the Rams are desperately hoping the Cardinals aren't prepared to smack them down once again. The Rams have seen uneven play on both sides of the ball despite their immense stardom and it's hard to know which version of them will show. Anything less than a sharp, impactful defense will give Cards QB Kyler Murray too many windows to make big plays.

I think Arizona, with three wins in four games despite constant change in availability of stars, can piece together a huge home win. The Rams' lack of quality linebacker depth and consistent safety play will really show against Murray, just like it did their last matchup. Arizona will win and cover.

Under 51 (-110)

These may be top-10 offenses, but these are also highly talented and smart defenses. Big games usually lead to tight margins and hesitant coaches. We've continued to see Sean McVay of the Rams, in particular, make conservative calls and limit his team's offensive potential in big games.

Expect a playoff-type atmosphere for this battle. Arizona has almost no experience on its roster in such environments, so both teams will be uncomfortable. I love the Under on this game.

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Rams-Cardinals picks made 12/10/2021 at 11:22 a.m. ET