Arizona Cardinals vs Los Angeles Rams Picks and Prediction for Sunday October 18, 2026
The Arizona Cardinals will head to Inglewood, California, Sunday afternoon for an NFC West matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. The game is scheduled to begin at 4:05 PM with national coverage available on FOX. Arizona enters the weekend with a 1-4 overall record following a difficult 45-21 loss against the Detroit Lions. The Cardinals have lost four consecutive games and will look to get things moving in the right direction against a division opponent. Los Angeles comes into this matchup with a 2-3 record after their loss to Buffalo on Monday night. Los Angeles is listed as a 13.5-point favorite, with the total set at 52.5 points. The Rams are -900 on the moneyline, while Arizona comes in at +600. Stay in the news with our NFL Picks.
Arizona hunts second win of the year
Jacoby Brissett is leading the Arizona offense this season with 1110 yards and 9 touchdowns on 132 completions, along with 62 yards on 17 carries. Jeremiyah Love is the top ball carrier on the team this season with 245 yards and one touchdown on 67 carries, along with 11 catches for 36 yards and one score. Trey McBride leads Arizona with 308 yards and three touchdowns on 42 receptions. Michael Wilson has chipped in heavily with 288 yards and one touchdown on 29 receptions.
Arizona struggled immensely on the defensive side last week, giving up 45 points as Detroit compiled 412 total yards. Arizona did move the ball well, compiling 327 yards to score 21 points, but converted only eight third downs and turned the ball over one time in the loss. Jacoby Brissett led the way for the Arizona offense last week, completing 29 passes for 292 yards and three scores. Jeremiyah Love led the way on the ground, with 22 yards on 12 carries. Kendrick Bourne was the top receiver on the roster with 70 yards on five catches. Trey McBride chipped in heavily with 66 yards and one score on 9 catches. Teagan Quitoriano added 15 yards and two touchdowns on 2 catches.
Key Injury Report for Arizona:
- Andrew Wingard (Questionable).- Knee
- Widest Williams Jr. (Questionable) - Concussion
- Isaiah Adams (IR) - Ankle
- Paris Johnson Jr. (IR) - Biceps
- Hunter Long (IR) - Knee
Rams look to bounce back after disappointing loss
Matthew Stafford is leading Los Angeles this season with 1572 yards and 9 scores on 139 completions. Kyren Williams is the top ball carrier on the team with 343 yards and four touchdowns on 70 carries. Blake Corum has added a second-best 181 yards and one score on 38 carries. Davante Adams leads Los Angeles with 441 yards and four touchdowns on 27 catches. Puka Nacua has added 337 yards and one score on 31 catches this year.
Offensively, Los Angeles was a juggernaut last week, scoring 34 points, including twenty in the fourth quarter, on 450 total yards. Defensively, Los Angeles was terrible, giving up 436 yards and 37 points, including three in overtime, resulting in the loss. Matthew Stafford led the show for the Los Angeles offense last week with 383 yards and three touchdowns on 40 completions. Kyren Williams led the team with 49 yards and one touchdown on 16 carries, and Blake Corum added 19 yards and one touchdown on five carries. Puka Nacua dominated the game with 138 yards and one touchdown on 17 catches. Davante Adams added 51 yards and two scores on five grabs.
Key Injury Report for Los Angeles:
- Ty Simpson (Inactive) - Coach's Decision
- Max Klare (Inactive) - Coach's Decision
- Larell Muchison (Inactive) - Coach's Decision
- Bill Murray (Inactive) - Coach's Decision
- Cj Daniels (Inactive) - Coach's Decision
Arizona Cardinals vs Los Angeles Rams Picks and Prediction
Pick: Los Angeles Rams -13.5
Los Angeles is in a prime spot to pick up a victory Sunday afternoon against an Arizona team that has struggled on both sides of the ball. The Rams have plenty of offensive talent and should be able to create consistent scoring opportunities against a Cardinals defense that has allowed opponents to move the ball effectively. Arizona has the talent to make things interesting but could have difficulty keeping pace if Los Angeles establishes an early advantage. The Rams will look to control the line of scrimmage and establish an offensive rhythm early in the game. Arizona will need to avoid costly turnovers and limit explosive plays to remain competitive. Los Angeles has the advantage in overall offensive talent and should be able to secure the home victory.
Pick: Over 52.5
Arizona and Los Angeles should provide enough offensive opportunities to push this matchup over the total Sunday afternoon. The Rams have a talented offensive group capable of generating points against an Arizona defense that has struggled throughout the season. Los Angeles should be able to establish consistent offensive pressure and create several opportunities to find the end zone. The Cardinals have enough offensive talent to contribute to the scoring, especially if Arizona finds itself playing from behind and is forced into a more aggressive approach. Los Angeles could do much of the heavy lifting offensively, but Arizona should be able to create enough opportunities to keep the combined score moving. Expect the Rams to control the game offensively and help push the total over the number.