The Rams, riding a four-game winning streak, might be able to win the NFC West if they beat a Cardinals team that routed them 41-10 in Week 2.
The Rams are coming off a 19-9 victory against the New York Jetsa victory highlighted by the return of the veteran tight end Tyler Higbeewho scored the go-ahead touchdown on a pass from Matthew Stafford. He has thrown 20 touchdowns, with eight interceptions, this season. Since being traded to the Rams in 2021, the 16-year pro is 13-1 in December games.
Receiver Puka Nacua did not play and receiver Cooper Kupp injured his ankle in the opener against the Cardinals. Both are back at full strength. Come back running Kyren Williams totaled 1,243 yards and 13 touchdowns. Williams also has two touchdowns. Against the Jets, Williams rushed for a game-high 122 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries, the second time in as many games that he eclipsed 100 rushing yards. The offensive line paved the way for Williams and hasn’t allowed a sack in three games. Right tackle Rob Havenstein injured his shoulder in practice this week and is listed as questionable. If Havenstein can’t play, veteran Joe Noteboom will start at right tackle, coach Sean McVay said.
Safeties Budda Baker and Jalen Thompson and linebacker Kyzir White lead the Cardinals’ defense, which gave up 36 points in last Sunday’s loss to the Carolina Panthers.
Quarterback Kyler Murrary threw for three touchdowns in the Week 2 win over the Rams. This season, Murray has thrown for 16 touchdowns, with nine interceptions, and rushed for five touchdowns. Running back James Conner, who excelled over the years against the Rams, injured his knee against the Panthers and is questionable. The Cardinals placed offensive tackles Paris Johnson Jr. and Jonah Williams on injured reserve this week with knee injuries.
Lineman Kobie Turner and safety Quentin Lake lead a Rams defense that hasn’t forgotten the beating it suffered against the Cardinals in September, when Murray hooked up with receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. for two passes touchdown in the first quarter. Over the last two games, the secondary has arguably played its best games of the season.
Key injuries
Rams: OL Rob Havenstein (shoulder, questionable).
Cardinals: RB James Conner (knee, questionable); K Matt Prater (knee, outside); S Joey Blount (ribs, outside); CB Elijah Jones (ankle, outside); RB Trey Benson (ankle, questionable) OL Evan Brown (neck, questionable); LB Baron Browning (neck, questionable).
How to watch and listen to Rams vs. Cardinals
The Rams and Cardinals will play Saturday at 5:10 p.m. PST at SoFi Stadium. The game will be broadcast on CBS in Southern California and nationally on NFL Network. In Southern California, fans can listen to the game on the radio at 7:10 AM, 93.1 FM or 980 AM.
Rams vs. Cardinals Betting Lines
Who will the Rams win against the Cardinals?
Gary Klein’s choice: With the opportunity to potentially clinch the NFC West, the Rams will avenge an early-season rout of the Cardinals and extend their winning streak to five games. Rams 31, Cardinals 17
Sam Farmer’s choice: The Rams owe them one after a beating earlier this season. The Cardinals were eliminated and running back James Conner missed the second half Sunday with a knee injury. The rams continue to roll. Rams 28, Cardinals 22
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This story was originally published in Los Angeles Times.
