Expert prediction
NFL Week 18: Arizona Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Rams Preview, Odds, Picks (Jan 4)
- Nikola Velickovic
- Jan 1, 2026 at 4:53 AM EST
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- Cardinals vs. Rams spread is -7.5 on LAR.
- Rams have back-to-back losses.
- Cardinals have 8 straight losses.
The fact that the Rams’ form dropped in the most important part of the year is enough to set off an alarm at SoFi Stadium.
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How to Watch
- When: Sunday, January 4, 4:25 pm ET
- Where: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California
- How to Watch: FOX
Cardinals vs. Rams Odds
Game Preview
Arizona pulled out all its top stars from the field, and they are waiting for the offseason to start the rebuild. It’ll be interesting to see what happens with this franchise and how they act during the offseason.
Cards have lost 8 in a row, and they are 1-7 ATS during that span, indicating the team is weak and lacks the power to be competitive with the current roster.
New franchise leader unlocked. 🔓 pic.twitter.com/4IDpla4tHB
— x – Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) December 31, 2025
As for the Rams, instead of chasing the top seed in the conference, they won’t have home-field advantage in the playoffs and will start from the Wild Card round. A tough kick in the teeth, but this team has the power to go all the way despite that.
Davante Adams’ absence was a big blow, but the NFL receiving touchdown leader will be back in the postseason. The way things stand now, the Rams will be 6th in the playoffs, and they can’t pick the rivals.
Cardinals vs. Rams Head to Head
There were 95 games between these two sides. Rams lead the series, 52-41-2. They won the first game of the year in December, 45-27 in Glendale.
Cardinals vs. Rams Predictions
The spread on the Rams is 7.5 points, and no matter who plays, they will cover it. The quality between them and the Cards is way too big now.
- Free NFL Picks: Rams -7.5
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