Cardinals (8-7) at Rams (9-6)
Sunday, 4:25 ET, SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, Calif.
TV: CBS
Danny Sheridan’s line: Rams by 4
Cardinals’ keys to victory: Arizona did very little to get WR DeAndre Hopkins involved the last time they played the Rams, having him run short routes that gained minimal yardage. This Rams defense doesn’t give up many big plays, but the Cardinals have to at least attempt a few deep passes to Hopkins to open up things underneath. QB Kyler Murray has to get outside the pocket more often too, which puts the defense in a bind, especially the secondary. Defensively, it’s all about forcing turnovers and stopping Los Angeles’ ground game.
Rams’ keys to victory: Hope QB John Wolford, in his first NFL action, can manage the game and not make too many mistakes. Jared Goff is out after thumb surgery. The Rams still have a shot to get in the playoffs. A win would clinch it. To take pressure of Wolford, the Rams must contain Murray as they have done very well the last two seasons. They don’t let him escape the pocket often, containing him with disciplined rushes off the edge and interior pressure. They must keep that up because the Cardinals’ big plays often come when Murray is on the move. That defensive approach, combined with protecting the ball on offense, is a recipe for success.
Matchup to watch: Cardinals WR DeAndre Hopkins vs. Rams CB Jalen Ramsey. Ramsey won this matchup the first time. If Ramsey can do it again, the Rams will have a great chance to win.
Who wins? The Rams have owned the Cardinals since Sean McVay took over in 2017, winning seven in a row.
Rams 24-17