NFL Week 17 picks: Most experts taking Cardinals over Rams
With so many players out due to injuries and COVID-19 protocol, it’s no surprise that the Rams have become the underdogs in Sunday’s finale against the Cardinals. After opening the week as one-point favorites, the line has since shifted to Rams +3 – a four-point swing after the news of Jared Goff, Darrell Henderson, Cooper Kupp and Michael Brockers being forced to miss the game.
The oddsmakers aren’t the only ones favoring Arizona, either. According to NFL Pick Watch, 63% of experts are taking the Cardinals to win on Sunday despite being on the road. Among those taking the Rams are Nate Davis and Mike Jones of USA TODAY, Sam Farmer of the LA Times and Jamey Eisenberg of CBS Sports.
Factoring in the spread, 63% of experts are taking the Cardinals to cover, ranging from Arizona -3.5 to +1, depending on when the picks were submitted. Had Goff not gotten hurt and Kupp not tested positive for COVID-19, the gap likely would’ve been much smaller in the experts’ picks.
If the Rams win on Sunday, they’ll lock up a playoff berth. The same goes for the Cardinals if they beat L.A. But unlike Arizona, the Rams can get into the playoffs even with a loss, so long as Chicago also loses.
The final postseason spots in the NFC will come down to Rams-Cardinals and Bears-Packers at 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday.
