Rams (8-4) at Cardinals (10-2)
Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET, State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona
TV: ESPN
Tipico Sportsbook line: Cardinals by 3 ⁄2
1
Rams’ keys to victory: The Rams turned the ball over and fell behind early when they lost at home to the Cardinals 37-20 in Week 4. The key to beating Arizona is keeping the game close and forcing turnovers. The Cardinals have turned the ball over seven times in their two losses and one near-loss in Week 2 against the Vikings. QB Matthew Stafford cannot throw interceptions like he did in the first quarter of that Week 4 game, and the Rams must commit to the running game. They had 65 first-quarter rushing yards in Week 4 but finished with 121.
Cardinals’ keys to victory: Arizona has struggled at home comparatively. The Cards are 7-0 on the road but 3-2 at State Farm Stadium. Their road success has been built on early defense and creating takeaways. If they can get an early lead as they did against the Rams in Week 4, the running game will not be a factor. Arizona allows 4.7 yards per rushing attempt, but opponents often give up on the run against them. If QB Kyler Murray can account for four touchdowns, as he did in Week 13, the Cardinals are nearly impossible to beat.
Matchup to watch: Rams CB Jalen Ramsey vs. Cardinals WR DeAndre Hopkins. One of the best receivers in the game against one of the best corners in the game is must-see TV. Hopkins did not find the end zone in Week 4 and this will be his first game with a full load since a hamstring injury caused him to miss three games.
Who wins? Arizona is playing at a high level and will get a number of starters back from injury.
Cardinals, 31-28