The Los Angeles Rams will rely on Sony Michel to handle the main workload at running back in Week 14 after they placed starting RB Darrell Henderson on the reserve COVID-19 list on Saturday.
The Rams (8-4) head to Arizona (10-2) to play the Cardinals on Monday Night Football. The line opened with the Rams a road favorite at +3, but the line moved a half-point over the week to +2.5. There was no immediate effect on the line after news about Henderson broke on Saturday afternoon.
Henderson had a thigh injury that kept out of last week’s game. He expected to return to action against the Cardinals, especially with an extra day of rest with the game on Monday evening. However, Henderson tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday and that’s when the Rams sent him to the reserve list.
In 10 games this season, Henderson rushed 142 times for 648 yards and five touchdowns. He averages 4.6 yards per carry. Henderson also added 27 receptions for 172 yards and three receiving touchdowns.
Michel started last week against the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he rushed 24 times for 121 yards and a touchdown.
The Rams acquired Michel in a trade with the New England Patriots shortly before the season started. Starting running back Cam Akers went down with an Achilles injury in the preseason. Henderson, who was slated as Akers’ backup, moved into the starting role while Michel became his understudy. In 12 games this season, Michel rushed 103 times for 426 yards and two touchdowns. He averages 4.1 yards per carry. Michel is not as dangerous in the passing game as Henderson, but he added 14 receptions for 70 yards and a touchdown.
The Cardinals are one of the best betting teams in the NFL with a 9-3 ATS record. The Rams struggled to beat the spread with a 5-7 ATS record.