Having gone 1-2 in their last three games, the Rams’ backs are squarely against the wall. At 6-6, Los Angeles has almost no room for error. Another loss on Sunday to the Cardinals would create a situation where the Rams need a miracle to happen in order for them to make the playoffs, while even a win will hardly move them close to securing a berth.
The Cardinals may be 3-7-1, but they’re one of the better sub-.500 teams in the NFL right now. Kyler Murray is having a great rookie season and takes care of the football better than most veterans. He’s hardly the reason the Cardinals have struggled this season, given the way he’s played.
His athleticism has been a challenge for opposing defenses, too, making plays through the air and as a runner. We all saw how Lamar Jackson dismantled the Rams defense on Monday night, and Murray presents similar issues for Los Angeles.
Of course, the Cardinals aren’t nearly as dangerous and talented as the Ravens are, but Murray makes this offense dangerous is mental errors are made against the run.
The Rams should win this game, even though it’s on the road. However, it’s nowhere near a certainty after seeing the way they’ve played lately and with Arizona nearly upsetting the 49ers twice.
As ugly as it’s been for the Rams in recent weeks, they’ll pull this one off and keep their season alive. They’ll start slow but the offense will find its groove and hold the Cardinals offense in check. The defense was playing well before the Ravens came along, and it’ll get back in that rhythm on Sunday afternoon.
It won’t be as high-scoring as some think it might be, but the Rams will win a close one on the road.
Final score prediction: Rams 24, Cardinals 21