2024 NFL Week 2 Preview: Arizona Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Rams with Betting Insights

The Cardinals face off against the Rams in Week 2 of the 2024 NFL season, and both teams come with some intriguing fantasy and betting elements. The Cardinals offer clarity with their key players, but the Rams, under Sean McVay, continue to present fantasy managers with a puzzle thanks to their unpredictable player usage. Here’s a breakdown of the matchup, key fantasy options, and betting considerations to keep in mind for this divisional clash.

The Cardinals’ Consistency: Clear Fantasy Starters

For the ACardinals, the offense is relatively straightforward in terms of fantasy football. We know the key players and their roles heading into Week 2, which makes setting lineups with Arizona’s stars much easier.

Kyler Murray and James Conner: Must-Starts

Murray continues to be the engine of the Cardinals’ offense. He’s a dual-threat quarterback who will get his fair share of points through both the air and on the ground. Even against a Rams defense that has shown improvement, Murray is a must-start for fantasy managers, given his upside and ability to turn broken plays into big gains.

Conner remains the focal point of Arizona’s ground attack. While not flashy, Conner consistently racks up touches, making him a solid RB2 or flex play in most fantasy leagues. His role in the red zone makes him a threat to find the end zone, further boosting his fantasy value.

Marvin Harrison and the Wide Receiver Question

Harrison is the clear WR1 for the Cardinals, and despite a quiet Week 1 performance, he’s a player you should start with confidence. Expect the Cardinals to make a more concerted effort to get Harrison involved early, especially if they fall behind against the Rams.

The secondary wide receivers, however, pose more of a challenge. Michael Wilson has shown flashes, but trusting him in Week 2 might be a gamble unless you’re in a deeper league or desperate for a flex option. 

Betting Insight: The Cardinals may need to lean on Murray’s legs and Conner’s power running to move the ball effectively. If you’re looking at player props, consider betting on Murray’s rushing yards and Conner to score an anytime touchdown.

The Rams: The McVay Mystery Continues

When it comes to the Los Angeles Rams, Sean McVay’s unpredictability makes fantasy managers sweat. McVay has a history of keeping his cards close to the vest when it comes to player roles and usage, making the Rams a tricky team to project.

Cooper Kupp and Matthew Stafford: The Only Sure Things

Kupp remains the Rams’ clear No. 1 receiver, and despite McVay’s unpredictable rotations elsewhere, Kupp is a set-it-and-forget-it fantasy option. He should dominate targets again in Week 2, making him one of the safest wide receiver plays across all formats.

Stafford, while not a top-tier quarterback in fantasy, is a low-end QB1 or high-end QB2 in this matchup. The Rams will need to throw the ball to keep pace with Arizona’s offense, and with Kupp on his side, Stafford could rack up passing yards. However, temper your expectations for big touchdown numbers, as the Rams may lean on their run game when they’re near the goal line.

Betting Insight: If you’re betting on the Rams, Stafford’s passing yards could be a solid over play. He’ll likely need to air it out to keep up with Murray’s explosive potential. However, betting on Stafford to throw multiple touchdowns might be risky, especially if the Rams continue their committee approach near the end zone.

Kyren Williams and the Rams’ Run Game: A Risky Bet

Williams looks like the primary back for the Rams, but given McVay’s history of unpredictability with his running backs, there’s no guarantee he’ll get the lion’s share of touches. McVay has already mentioned other backs like Blake Corum in the mix, which makes trusting Williams difficult.

In Week 1, Williams did see the majority of work, but McVay could shift gears without warning, giving players like rookie Corum more opportunities. For fantasy managers, Williams is a low-end RB2 or flex play, but there’s inherent risk involved due to McVay’s track record of rotating his backs.

Betting Insight: If you’re betting on the Rams’ run game, Williams’ rushing yards or anytime touchdown props could provide value, but tread carefully. McVay’s backfield decisions can be hard to predict, so monitor any late-week news before making a final wager.

Conclusion: Betting on the Cardinals and Rams in Week 2

This Week 2 matchup between the Cardinals and Rams offers plenty of intrigue for fantasy football players and sports bettors alike. The Cardinals provide more clarity with their star players, while the Rams present more uncertainty due to McVay’s penchant for keeping his game plan under wraps.

From a fantasy perspective, players like Murray, Conner, Kupp, and Stafford are clear starters, but caution is advised with secondary options like Williams and Arizona’s other receivers.

As for betting, consider leaning on the Cardinals to keep things close, especially if their passing game clicks against a Rams defense that could be vulnerable. Betting on Murray’s rushing and passing yards, and Kupp’s receiving yards, could offer value. Finally, keep an eye on any last-minute injury reports or updates from McVay, as that could swing betting lines or player props leading up to kickoff.

You can read all about what’s going on in the National Football League at SportsGrid.com.