NFC Game Of The Week
Los Angeles Rams at Arizona Cardinals
Rams: Just when I’m ready to give them credit, they disappoint me. After two big wins, they entered week 12 at 7-3. The week before, they won a huge game on the road over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. On Sunday, they took the San Francisco 49ers too lightly and it cost them. In watching that game, I felt they were still celebrating their win from the week before. Rule of advice for any team in this league. You can’t take anyone too lightly. The Rams felt because they’re facing a team hampered by injuries, they could just show up and win. Outside of that, I like the build of this team. Their defense doesn’t get enough respect in my opinion. I see a group that fast and physical at the point of attack. Looking to get back on track, they’ll do battle in a huge divisional showdown on Sunday.
Cardinals: I can’t figure them out. Each week when I try, they look like a different team every single time. They’ll win a game in a crazy way, then turn around and lose two in a row as they have these last few weeks. On Sunday in Foxboro, they were punched in the mouth. There’s honestly no other way around it. That’s the other problem I have with the Cardinals. When they could score, they don’t always come away with six points. I’ve seen what they can do when they put it altogether. When clicking, they’re a balanced group that gets a contribution from everyone. Another thing I noticed was how much that offense missed Larry Fitzgerald. He’s a great blocker and when you need a play made over the middle, he answers the call. They return home looking to get themselves back on track on Sunday.
Rams X-Factor: Darrell Henderson– He’s more of a key piece to this offense than he is given credit for. When you establish him, he gets you those hard-fought yards. Feed him the ball, move out the way and the rest of the offense will click more because of him. The Cardinals also aren’t the best at limiting the ground game.
Cardinals X-Factor: Isaiah Simmons– I raved about him at Clemson and I feel he’ll be great in the NFL within the next few years. Isaiah’s motor is exactly what the Cardinals defense needs at this moment. He’s that spark plug and will be needed in this one on Sunday.
Final Thoughts: This is a must win for both teams. The Cardinals have lost their last two games. Then, the Rams were stunned by the 49ers last week. Arizona has become too dependent on Kyler Murray to bail them out. They must find other ways to move the chains. The Rams offense also needs to show some consistency, especially when the defense is clicking. Jared Goff needs a bounce-back game in this one.
Prediction: Rams 27 Cardinals 24
