Cardinals (3-0) at Rams (3-0)
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California TV: Fox
Tipico Sportsbook line: Rams by 5 ⁄2
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Cardinals’ keys to victory: The Cardinals’ offense has looked excellent through three games, led by QB Kyler Murray and his dualthreat ability. The Rams have done a good job bottling up Murray in recent meetings, so the Cardinals likely will need to find a way to beat Los Angeles through the air. They must target CB David Long Jr. in coverage, as he’s the weakest of the Rams’ three corners, because going at Jalen Ramsey or Darious Williams can be an exercise in futility. Defensively, it starts with covering explosive WR Cooper Kupp. The Cardinals must pressure QB Matthew Stafford and not allow deep passes to develop.
Rams’ keys to victory: The Rams are rolling on offense. The offensive line is giving Stafford plenty of time in the pocket, which has to continue against OLB Chandler Jones and the Cardinals. Arizona’s pass rush has looked good so far and will likely be the best Los Angeles has faced this season. Defensively, when plays break down, the Rams must keep Murray in the pocket and prevent him from either picking up yards on the ground or hitting receivers deep when getting outside.
Matchup to watch: Cardinals WR DeAndre Hopkins vs. Rams’ Ramsey. There may be no better cornerback-wide receiver rivalry in the NFL than Ramsey vs. Hopkins. It dates back to their days in the AFC South, living up to the hype last season in their two battles. Ramsey won last year.
Who wins? Both have played well. But the Rams are more complete and coming off a win over the Buccaneers.
Rams, 30-24