Rams (4-6) at Cardinals (2-9)
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona
TV: Fox
Spread (BetMGM):
OTB at press time
Rams’ keys to victory: RB Kyren Williams (ankle) is eligible to be back from injured reserve this week, and his return would provide a big boost for the Rams offense. He had 158 yards rushing in his last game, which also came against the Cardinals. Head coach Sean McVay needs to get Williams going to bring balance back to the offense so that everything isn’t on QB Matthew Stafford and the passing attack. The Rams have always done an excellent job against QB Kyler Murray when it comes to bottling him up on the ground, and they’ll need to do that again after he rushed for 51 yards in Week 11 against Houston.
Cardinals’ keys to victory: The Cardinals didn’t have Murray in their first meeting with the Rams, but since he’s returned, the passing game has improved. Arizona needs to take shots deep against this Rams defense and take advantage of a secondary that has struggled in recent games. WR Marquise Brown has the speed to beat the Rams cornerbacks deep, as does WR Rondale Moore. RB James Conner’s presence will help when the Cardinals reach the red zone and goal line.
Matchup to watch: Rams S Quentin Lake vs. Cardinals TE Trey McBride. McBride has been an integral part of the offense lately, and he’ll be matched up with the Rams second-year defensive back often in the middle of the field.
Who wins? The Rams have a full complement of intriguing options on offense. Stafford will get the job done against an undermanned Cardinals team.
Rams, 26-20