A blockbuster showdown will be heading our way in Week 14 as the Los Angeles Rams and the Arizona Cardinals square off in a titanic Monday Night Football clash. It is now or never for the Rams, who need to win against the Cardinals to keep their NFC West title dreams alive. Can Kyler Murray extend Arizona's lead in the division, or will Matthew Stafford and the Rams record the upset win? Here's a breakdown of this pivotal matchup.
Los Angeles Rams enter Week 14 as +3 underdogs
The Los Angeles Rams finally snapped their three-game losing skid on Sunday with a comprehensive 37-7 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. It was a big win for the Rams, who improved their slate to 8-4 and remained in the hunt for the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
Matthew Stafford finally played mistake-free football after turning the ball over six times during the Rams' three-game skid. Stafford threw pick-sixes in each of those games, resulting in a winless November for the Rams.
Stafford was back to his best against the Jags, completing 26 of 38 passes for 295 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions. He spread the wealth in this game, throwing touchdown passes to Odell Beckham Jr., Cooper Kupp, and Van Jefferson. Kupp was Stafford's favorite target, catching eight passes for 129 yards. He now has surpassed the 100-reception mark.
The Rams utilized a balanced attack with Sony Michel delivering the necessary yardage on the ground. He ran for 121 yards, and a score as the Rams kept the Jaguars' defense guessing all afternoon long. Michel featured in most of the snaps, with Darrell Henderson limited by a thigh injury.
However, they will have their work cut out for them in Week 14 against a Cardinals team that is fifth in the NFL in total defense, allowing just 318.8 yards per game this campaign.
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Arizona Cardinals installed as -3 favorites
Arizona extended its winning streak to two games with an emphatic 33-22 victory over the Chicago Bears in Week 13. It was a critical victory for the Cardinals, who remained at the top of the NFC with a 10-2 record. They also maintained their two-game lead over the Los Angeles Rams ahead of their showdown this coming Sunday.
The Cardinals will be raring to go for that critical clash with their star players already back in action. Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins were listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Bears, but they both played in Week 13.
Murray, who was sidelined for almost a month because of a lingering ankle injury, threw for 123 yards and a couple of touchdowns in the win against the Bears. He also showed his speed, running for 59 yards and two scores on 10 carries. Murray made history with that performance as he became the fourth-youngest quarterback to record 10,000 passing yards.
Hopkins, sidelined because of a hamstring issue, caught two passes for 32 yards and a touchdown. Murray and Hopkins will look to wreak havoc against a Rams secondary that is 16th in the NFL in passing defense, allowing 238.3 yards per game this season.
Writer's Prediction
Arizona wins and covers the spread.
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