Pressure is on Rams
CARDINALS PASS OFFENSE VS. RAMS PASS DEFENSE
In his return from a high ankle sprain last week against the Bears, Kyler Murray completed 11 of just 15 passes but eight different players caught at least one pass. Chicago turnovers put the Cardinals in envious field position so there wasn’t much of a need to rely on the passing game. Expect that to change in this game against a desperate Rams team that needs to keep stacking wins to assure itself of a playoff spot. The Rams sacked Murray three times in Week 4, but he completed 24 of 32 passes for 268 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions in a 37-20 win. DeAndre Hopkins should see more action after being used sparingly at Chicago in his return from a hamstring issue. The Rams will likely steer double coverage toward Hopkins, however, so keep an eye on tight end Zach Ertz, who Murray should be able to utilize in the middle of the field to sustain drives. Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald always presents a problem, but in the first meeting vs. Arizona he had the worst pass-rushing grade of his career, according to Pro Football Focus. If left guard Justin Pugh (calf) returns to the lineup, it will only help the Cardinals’ chance of neutralizing Donald and the rest of the Rams’ pass rush.
Edge: Cardinals
CARDINALS RUN OFFENSE VS. RAMS RUN DEFENSE
The Cardinals rank 10th in the league in rushing
(124.2 yards per game) and are tied with the Eagles for the second-most rushing touchdowns (19). The Rams are seventh against the run (100.4) but the Cardinals ran for 216 yards against them in the first meeting as Chase Edmonds led the way with 120 yards on just 12 carries. Edmonds (ankle) has resumed practicing after missing the past three games and will be a game-time decision. James Conner has been carrying the load for Arizona more than 20 rushes in three of his past four games. Conner leads Arizona with 14 touchdowns and with a TD of any kind Monday night, he would have at least one TD in seven consecutive games to tie John David Crow’s franchise record set in 1959-60. L.A. is allowing opponents just 3.80 yards per rushing attempt, second best in the league. Safeties Jordan Fuller (90) and Taylor Rapp (66) lead the Rams in tackles. The Cardinals won’t be afraid to throw the ball but look for them to try and establish a solid running game first and foremost.
Edge: Cardinals
RAMS PASS OFFENSE VS. CARDINALS PASS DEFENSE
Matthew Stafford is third in passing yards (3,611), second in touchdown passes (30) and is 372 yards from reaching 50,000 in his career, including playoffs. Stafford has had six 300-yard games already this season. He doesn’t get intercepted very often (11) but has thrown three pick-sixes. Arizona ranks fourth against the pass (205.1). The Rams, meanwhile, have allowed only 18 sacks, tied with the Vikings for the second fewest behind the Buccaneers (15). Wide receiver Cooper Kupp, who leads the league with 100 receptions, 1,366 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns, needs just 181 receiving yards to break the NFL record for most such yards through Week 14, held by Hall of Famer Calvin Johnson. Expect defensive coordinator Vance Joseph to double-team Kupp whenever possible. If he breaks loose in this game, it could be curtains for the Cardinals. Arizona’s 32 sacks are tied for the fourth most in the league. Markus Golden
(10) and Chandler Jones (8½) lead the way.
Edge: Rams
RAMS RUN OFFENSE VS. CARDINALS RUN DEFENSE
The Rams rank 23rd in rushing offense (97.9 yards per game) and their eight rushing touchdowns are tied for the third fewest. Darrell Henderson Jr. (142 carries, 648 yards, five touchdowns) has been their primary running back, but with him placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list on Saturday, the Rams will have to turn to backup Sony Michel (103 carries, 426 yards, one TD). The Cardinals have been just average against the run, ranking 16th overall (113.7). They should be able to corral Michel without too much trouble. Arizona has allowed its share of 15- and 20yard gains, however, and that’s been a particular problem in home games. To keep any Rams ballcarriers from breaking big runs, linebackers Jordan Hicks and Isaiah Simmons will have to be on their games and Cardinals defenders will need to gang tackle as much as possible.
Edge: Cardinals
SPECIAL TEAMS
Arizona’s Andy Lee has been consistent all season long. His 49.8-yard gross average ranks second overall and his 42.3 net average is 10th. Matt Prater is 17 of 22 on field goal attempts, including 4 of 6 on kicks Rams kicker Matt Gay has made 23 of his 24 field goal attempts. The Rams are known for some trickery on special teams, so expect anything.
Edge: Rams.
TIPICO SPORTSBOOK ODDS: The Cardinals are 2½point favorites. The over/under is 51.5. Money line: Cardinals -130, Rams +105
OVERALL
Both offenses are electrifying, and this game could turn into a real shootout that goes down to the wire.
Pick: Cardinals 38, Rams 34