The Los Angeles Rams are looking to avenge their tough loss last weekend to the Detroit Lions and will be taking on the Arizona Cardinals. Los Angeles takes to the road once again and is looking to get a big divisional win.
If the Rams can get the win, they will feel much better about themselves heading into a matchup with the rival San Francisco 49ers the following week. But who wins this game?
The team members of Rams on Sports Illustrated have you covered with predictions for the game.
Rams vs. Cardinals: Expert Predictions
The Rams are dealing with a host of injuries on the offensive line and to star Puka Nacua. Still, they always find ways to make their roster work. Divisional matchups are always tough, but expect Los Angeles to come away with a hard-fought victory.
Prediction: Rams 24, Cardinals 21
The Rams have been banged up all over the roster, which could cause some issues in this game. The Cardinals looked very good against the Buffalo Bills on the road last week and could bring that momentum into this game. The injuries will be tough to overcome, and the Cardinals pick up the big win against Los Angeles.
Prediction: Cardinals 30, Rams 20
The Rams have been decimated by injuries to their offensive line, and Arizona should exploit that deficiency en route to a win.
Prediction: Cardinals 24, Rams 17
Although the Rams have already lost a number of players to injury, they’ll get the job done in Arizona. It’ll be another round of hero-ball, and the Rams will earn a big win.
Prediction: Rams 26, Cardinals 16
This is a tough one. Both teams lost last week in close games that could have gone either way if a few things went differently. However, the Rams are a lot more banged up than the Cardinals, with multiple key players injured. Unless Matthew Stafford pulls off a miracle, which he can do, Arizona gets the win this week.
Prediction: Cardinals 27, Rams 23
The Cardinals should be a pesky opponent to many, like they were against Buffalo in Week 1, but I do not see the Rams going 0-2, and the Stafford-led offense should be able to do enough to get the win.
Prediction: Rams 24, Cardinals 17
Although the Rams are a depleted bunch, they have owed the Cardinals in the Sean McVay era, and that shouldn't stop now. The Cardinals are a better team in 2024 with a healthy Kyler Murray on their side, but the Rams have enough on their side to take care of their division rivals. As long as the Rams' offensive line stays intact on Sunday, L.A. should be able to come out on top.
Prediction: Rams 24, Cardinals 13
After falling to old pal Jared Goff's Detroit Lions in a Wild Card game rematch, the Rams are looking to post their first win of the season, which they should do comfortably against a chippy Cardinals club that gave the mighty Bills a scare.
Prediction: Rams 24, Cardinals 13
Rams vs. Cardinals: Where to Watch and Stream the Game
After tough matchups against teams expected to contend for the Super Bowl in Week 1, the Los Angeles Rams and Arizona Cardinals will both begin divisional play as they square off against each other in an NFC West showdown in Week 2 at State Farm Stadium. The Rams enter this game coming off a 26-20 loss to the Detroit Lions in overtime of Week 1, while the Cardinals experienced the sting of a 34-28 loss to the Buffalo Bills that included them blowing a 17-3 lead in the second half.
How to Watch and Stream the Game
TV channel: FOX
Livestream: FuboTV
Rams vs. Cardinals: Odds and Betting Lines
The Rams and Cardinals will play at 4:05 p.m. ET from State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
Point spread: Cardinals by 1 point
O/U: 48
Moneyline: Rams -110, Cardinals -110
Rams vs. Cardinals: Key Matchups
Rams Offensive Advantage
The Matthew Stafford to Cooper Kupp connection simply cannot be stopped. With star wide receiver Puka Nacua injured last week and on IR for at least the next four games, Kupp will be targeted often by his veteran quarterback. Last week against the Lions, Kupp caught 14 of 21 targets for 110 yards and a touchdown. In the first matchup last season between Arizona and Los Angeles, the Rams' top WR caught seven passes for 148 yards and a touchdown. Asking the Cardinals to slow down this connection might be too much.
Another key for the Rams is running back Kyren Williams, who had 50 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries versus Detroit. Last year, in two matchups against Arizona, Williams rushed for a combined 301 yards and a touchdown on only 36 carries. He should see at least 20 touches in this matchup and could find success against a Cardinals defense that is susceptible to the run.
Cardinals Need to Get Murray Going
Quarterback Kyler Murray's play was solid in the team's loss to Buffalo on Sunday, but he missed several open receivers while scrambling to escape the pocket under pressure. Wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. was wide open on the game's final possession for what would have been an easy touchdown to give Arizona the lead, but Murray did not see him. Despite throwing for 162 yards and a touchdown and running for 57 more, Murray's play must improve for Arizona to win.
The Cardinals will be led on the ground by veteran running back James Conner, who was held to only 50 yards on 16 carries by Buffalo. He did score a rushing touchdown and added three receptions for 33 yards. Arizona tight end Trey McBride had a team-high nine targets in the opener, catching five of them for 30 yards. Last season against the Rams, McBride topped 60 yards receiving in both matchups.
The Final Word: Rams vs. Cardinals
The Rams are a more experienced team with a proven quarterback and a reliable offensive weapon in Cooper Kupp. Their running game with Kyren Williams has a strong history of success against the Cardinals. The Rams are looking for a bounce-back win after their Week 1 loss, and they should be able to get it on the road in Arizona.
