The NFC West has become more competitive as the playoffs approach, and this weekend’s matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and the Arizona Cardinals is pivotal. The Rams have secured a division lead after defeating the New York Jets in Week 16, marking their fourth consecutive win. This victory has positioned them favorably with just two games remaining in the season. Meanwhile, the Cardinals faced a tough overtime loss against the Carolina Panthers, which ended their postseason hopes.
As the two teams prepare for their Saturday night showdown, the Cardinals have the opportunity to play spoiler. Quarterback Kyler Murray and his team can disrupt the Rams’ playoff ambitions, while also showcasing their talents for potential future opportunities. The Rams, on the other hand, are keen to maintain their lead over the Seattle Seahawks, who recently claimed a victory.
Fans can watch the Rams vs. Cardinals match on NFL Network or stream it through fubo. The game is scheduled for Saturday, December 28, at 8:10 p.m. ET, taking place at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The Rams enter the game as 5.5-point favorites.
Key matchups are set to unfold, particularly regarding the performance of both teams’ offenses and defenses. The Cardinals will need more from Kyler Murray, especially as he has struggled with interceptions in recent games. Meanwhile, the Rams aim to enhance their scoring, having only tallied 31 combined points in their last two matches. Notably, their prior encounter with the Cardinals resulted in a disappointing 10-point performance.
Additionally, the Rams’ defense has seen improvements, limiting opponents to just 15 points in the last two weeks. This could be a pivotal factor as they face a Cardinals team that relies heavily on a solid rushing attack, but has struggled with its passing game.
In summary, while the Rams are geared towards securing their playoff position, the Cardinals have the chance to disrupt those plans and build momentum for the future. As the season progresses, this game holds significant implications for both teams, highlighting the unpredictable and thrilling nature of the NFL.
Hopefully, the matchup will showcase some great football, reminding fans why they love the sport, regardless of each team’s playoff chances.