The Los Angeles Rams claimed the NFC West last week with a second-half turnaround against the New York Jets and now return home to take on the Arizona Cardinals in Week 17.
Although the Seattle Seahawks won against the Chicago Bears on Thursday Night Football, the Rams can still win the division due to strength of victory and a win over the Cardinals. Arizona was eliminated from playoff contention last week after losing to the Carolina Panthers, but will still be motivated to beat a divisional opponent in Los Angeles.
The last time the two teams met, the Cardinals won in a blowout but that was when the Rams were injured and still getting new faces acclimated. Now, the two teams are in completely different spots with L.A. having a lot left to prove.
Divisional matchups always carry a little extra juice because of teams’ familiarity with each other, but this is a game the Rams absolutely must have.
Rams Offense vs. Cardinals Defense
The month of December has been good for the Rams offense as they’ve found their groove running the football. Fortunately, this is a great sign for L.A. as Arizona’s rush defense is subpar meaning Kyren Williams should be able to gash them on the ground. Williams has handled the majority of touches in the backfield, but head coach Sean McVay should be able to find snaps for Blake Corum.
However, the Cardinals pass rush is also lacking some force so Matthew Stafford should have time in the pocket to throw downfield to the likes of Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp. There are also ancillary pieces like Demarcus Robinson and even Tyler Higbee who should be able to find space against a weak Arizona secondary.
Rams Defense vs. Cardinals Offense
On the flip side, Kyler Murray remains a threat as he’s got the ability to throw or pass on any given play. Murray’s scrambling presents a challenge to the Rams who have been susceptible to giving up chunk plays to running quarterbacks so that should be an area of focus.
Still, the defensive line featuring Jared Verse and Braden Fiske should be able to generate pressure and make thing uncomfortable for Murray. James Connor is listed as questionable but is likely to play so slowing him down is another way to keep the Cardinals offense bogged down.
Rams Keys to Victory
1. Limit damage on the ground
As mentioned earlier, Murray and Connor running is the engine for the Arizona offense so keeping them contained will set up the defense well.
2. Take care of the football
This is a key every week, but the Rams need to be conscientious about taking care of the football against a Cardinals team that struggles to move the chains.
