The Arizona Cardinals travel to face the Los Angeles Rams in a compelling NFC West showdown on Saturday. Here’s our preview, which includes a prediction, using the best NFL odds from the top sportsbooks.
NFL Pick: Rams -4 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Cardinals vs. Rams
Saturday, December 28, 2024 – 08:00 PM ET at SoFi Stadium
The Cardinals Struggled in Carolina
The Cardinals fell to 7-8 after a 36-30 overtime loss to the Panthers on Sunday, officially ending their playoff aspirations. A sluggish start put Arizona in a 20-3 hole, but a spirited second-half rally pushed the game to overtime before falling short.
Kyler Murray led the offense, completing 20 of 32 passes for 202 yards with one touchdown and one interception. James Conner stood out, rushing for 117 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries, while also catching four passes for 49 yards.
The receiving duo of Michael Wilson and Marvin Harrison Jr. combined for six catches and 83 yards, providing glimpses of what the Cardinals’ aerial attack could achieve.
The Rams Keep Winning
The Rams extended their win streak to four games with a 19-9 road victory over the Jets on Sunday, solidifying their spot atop the NFC West standings.
Despite a slow start, quarterback Matthew Stafford delivered a decisive 11-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Higbee in the fourth quarter, capitalizing on a turnover by Aaron Rodgers.
Stafford completed 14 of 19 passes for 110 yards and overcame early struggles. Kyren Williams dominated on the ground with 122 rushing yards and a touchdown on 23 carries, while Puka Nacua continued his reliable play with eight catches for 56 yards.
The Rams improved to 5-1 in their last six games, firmly establishing themselves as playoff contenders.
Keys to the Game
Murray has shown flashes of brilliance, including 202 passing yards and a touchdown last week, but ball security remains a concern after his costly interception.
Against a disciplined Rams defense known for forcing mistakes, Murray must be precise and efficient. His ability to extend plays with his legs could keep the Rams’ pass rush at bay and create opportunities downfield.
Conner’s dominant performance against the Panthers—117 rushing yards and a touchdown—will be pivotal in Arizona’s game plan. His combination of power running and versatility as a receiver gives the Cardinals a reliable offensive weapon.
If Conner can maintain his efficiency, Arizona has a chance to control time of possession and limit the Rams’ offensive opportunities.
Williams has been a consistent force for the Rams, with 122 rushing yards and a touchdown last week. His ability to grind out tough yards and wear down defenses poses a significant challenge for Arizona’s front seven, which has struggled to contain strong runners.
A productive day for Williams would open up play-action opportunities for Stafford.
Nacua’s reliability as a target was on full display with his eight-catch effort against the Jets.
Arizona’s secondary will need to focus on limiting his impact, particularly on key downs. If they can force Stafford to look elsewhere, it may disrupt the Rams’ passing rhythm and create opportunities for turnovers.
Both teams have shown a vulnerability to turnovers in crucial moments, making ball security a priority.
Special teams could play a key role in setting up field position, especially in what promises to be a tightly contested divisional battle.
NFL Pick
The Cardinals’ ability to stay competitive hinges on strong performances from Conner and Murray. However, Arizona’s tendency to start slow could prove costly against a Rams team that excels at controlling the tempo.
The Rams’ balanced attack, with Williams powering the ground game and Stafford providing efficient passing, should give Los Angeles the edge.
NFL Pick: Rams -4 (-110) at Bet365
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