Rams vs. Cardinals matchups: How to watch, start time and prediction
Breaking down how the Rams (2-3) and the Arizona Cardinals (1-4) match up heading into their game Sunday at 1:25 p.m. at SoFi Stadium. The game will be shown on Fox.
When Rams have the ball
The Rams have been productive in the first half but are looking to end a trend of poor second-half performances that continued last Sunday in a 23-14 defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles. Now they face a team coached by Jonathan Gannon, the Eagles’ former defensive coordinator. Quarterback Matthew Stafford has passed for five touchdowns with five interceptions. Star receiver Cooper Kupp wants to build on his eight-catch, 118-yard season debut against the Eagles, which marked his return from a hamstring injury. Coach Sean McVay and Stafford found a way to distribute targets near equally between Kupp and rookie Puka Nacua, who has a league-leading 46 receptions. Tutu Atwell benefited from Kupp’s presence by catching a touchdown pass against the Eagles. The Rams traded receiver Van Jefferson to the Atlanta Falcons last week so Ben Skowronek and others could be called on for more snaps. Nine players have helped the Cardinal amass 15 sacks, including linebacker Dennis Gardeck, who has a team-best four. Star safety Budda Baker is on injured reserve because of a hamstring injury.
When Cardinals have the ball
Quarterback Josh Dobbs is playing as if he doesn’t want to hear talk about the Cardinals positioning themselves to draft USC quarterback Caleb Williams. Dobbs has passed for six touchdowns with two interceptions and has rushed for a touchdown. The Rams caught a break when the Cardinals put running back James Conner on injured reserve this week because of a knee injury. Backup Keaontay Ingram sat out the last two games because of a neck injury but practiced this week and is expected to start. Receiver Marquise Brown and tight end Zach Ertz are Dobbs’ top targets. The Rams are trying to rebound from a poor tackling performance against the Eagles. Linebacker Ernest Jones is questionable because of a knee injury. Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon recovered a fumble and has intercepted two passes — the only three turnovers produced by the defense. The Rams’ front has failed to put consistent pressure on quarterbacks. Star defensive lineman Aaron Donald has 2½ of the Rams’ eight sacks. Nose tackle Bobby Brown III is out because of a knee sprain, so Kobie Turner will play more.
When they kick
Rams kicker Brett Maher got something of a breather against the Eagles: The Rams did not attempt a field goal. Maher has made 12 of 16 field-goal attempts, the longest from 54 yards. Cardinals kicker Matt Prater, a 17th-year pro, has made nine of 10, including one from 62 yards.
By the numbers
Gary Klein's pick
The Rams under McVay have dominated the Cardinals. Forget last season. Stafford was out because of a concussion and Kupp suffered a season-ending injury against Arizona. The Rams will get back to .500. RAMS 27, CARDINALS 20
Read more: NFL picks Week 6: Will 49ers and Eagles stay undefeated? Can Chargers beat Cowboys?
This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
