The Arizona Cardinals travel to SoFi Stadium to face the Los Angeles Rams in a key NFC West matchup on Saturday night. The Rams, leading the division at 9-6, are looking to extend their four-game winning streak and secure a division title. The Cardinals, at 7-8, have been eliminated from playoff contention but will aim to play spoiler against their division rivals.
In their last meeting, Arizona dominated Los Angeles with a 41-10 victory in Week 2 of the season. The Rams have been a different team since their 1-4 start, winning eight of their last ten games, while the Cardinals have struggled, losing four of their past five.
ARI Preview – Cardinals Look to End on a High Note
Arizona enters the game on the back of a 36-30 overtime loss to Carolina that officially ended their playoff hopes. Kyler Murray has been solid since returning from injury, throwing for 2,756 yards and 17 touchdowns this season. He also provides a rushing threat, as shown by his 63 yards and a touchdown on the ground against the Panthers.
Running back James Conner, who has been Arizona’s offensive engine with 1,090 rushing yards this season, is questionable with a knee injury. His absence would put additional pressure on Murray and the passing game, which features standout rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. at wide receiver.
Defensively, the Cardinals have allowed 23.1 points per game, ranking 17th in the league. Injuries have taken a toll, with key players like safety Joey Blount and kicker Matt Prater unavailable. Arizona’s depleted secondary will face a tough challenge containing the Rams’ dynamic passing attack.
LA Preview – Rams Eye Division Title
The Rams are on a roll, winning four straight games, including a 19-9 victory over the Jets last week. Matthew Stafford has been efficient during this stretch, supported by a strong ground game led by Kyren Williams. Williams has rushed for 1,243 yards and 13 touchdowns this season, including 122 yards against New York.
Los Angeles has relied on their defense to keep opponents in check, allowing just 9 points in two of their last three games. Led by pass rusher Byron Young and cornerback Darious Williams, the Rams have held opponents to 351.4 yards per game, ranking 23rd in total defense but stepping up in key moments.
Offensively, Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua provide Stafford with reliable targets. With the Cardinals’ defense struggling, the Rams will look to capitalize on mismatches in the passing game and control the tempo with Williams on the ground.
Betting Prediction
The Rams are favored by 7 points at home, with a total set at 47.5. Los Angeles’ recent form and Arizona’s injuries make the Rams the clear choice to win and cover the spread. The over/under is intriguing, as both teams have the potential to score, but the Rams’ defense may keep this game under the total.
Look for Los Angeles to rely on their balanced offense and capitalize on Arizona’s mistakes to secure a crucial victory in their quest for the NFC West title.
Pick: Rams -7, Under 47.5
