Cardinals vs. Rams NFL Week 17 Picks: Can Los Angeles Cover at Home?

Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals were officially eliminated from playoff contention after a hard-fought 36-30 overtime road loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. The defeat dropped Arizona to 7-8 on the season.

A sluggish start saw the Cardinals fall into a 20-3 hole, but they rallied in the second half to push the game to overtime. Despite their effort, the comeback fell short.

Kyler Murray completed 20 of 32 passes for 202 yards, throwing one touchdown and one interception. James Conner delivered a standout performance, rushing for 117 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries while adding four receptions for 49 yards. Michael Wilson and Marvin Harrison Jr. contributed with six combined catches for 83 yards.

Los Angeles Rams

The Los Angeles Rams extended their winning streak to four games with a 19-9 road victory over the New York Jets. Matthew Stafford’s 11-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Higbee in the fourth quarter, following an Aaron Rodgers turnover, secured the Rams’ place atop the NFC West standings.

Stafford overcame a sluggish start—completing just 6 of 10 passes for 46 yards and an interception in the first half—to finish with 14 completions on 19 attempts for 110 yards.

Kyren Williams led the ground game with 122 rushing yards and a touchdown on 23 carries, while Puka Nacua hauled in eight receptions for 56 yards. The Rams improved to 5-1 in their last six games, solidifying their position as playoff contenders.

Key Matchups

Both teams have showcased flashes of brilliance, but inconsistency has plagued the Cardinals, while the Rams seem to have hit their stride at the right time. This game will likely hinge on Arizona’s ability to start fast and the Rams’ capacity to control the tempo through their balanced attack.

Kyler Murray vs. Rams’ Defense

Murray has shown resilience, throwing for 202 yards and a touchdown last week. However, his interception against the Panthers highlights the need for more precision against a Rams defense that thrives on capitalizing on mistakes.

Murray’s dual-threat ability could pose problems, but the Rams’ disciplined pass rush, led by an emerging defensive front, will aim to keep him contained. If Murray can establish a rhythm early and limit turnovers, Arizona’s passing game could find success against a secondary that has shown vulnerability at times.

James Conner vs. Rams’ Run Defense

Conner’s 117-yard performance on just 15 carries against the Panthers underscores his ability to dominate on the ground. His combination of power and versatility as a receiver out of the backfield will be critical against a Rams defense that has been solid but not impenetrable.

If Conner can replicate his efficiency, the Cardinals could control the clock and keep the Rams’ offense off the field.

Kyren Williams vs. Cardinals’ Run Defense

Williams has been a workhorse for the Rams, rushing for 122 yards and a touchdown against the Jets. His consistency and ability to wear down defenses will test Arizona’s front seven, which has struggled to contain dynamic rushers.

If Williams can get going early, it will open up play-action opportunities for Stafford and keep the Cardinals on their heels.

Puka Nacua vs. Cardinals’ Secondary

Nacua’s eight-catch performance against the Jets highlighted his reliability as a go-to option for Stafford. Arizona’s secondary will need to focus on limiting Nacua’s impact, particularly on third downs, where his ability to find soft spots in coverage has been a key to the Rams’ success.

Double teams or bracket coverage could force Stafford to look elsewhere, but the Cardinals’ depth in coverage will be tested.

Special Teams and Turnovers

Both teams have struggled with turnovers at critical moments, making ball security a focal point. Arizona’s margin for error is slim against a Rams team that has shown the ability to capitalize on miscues.

Special teams could also play a pivotal role, particularly in setting up field position during what figures to be a tightly contested game.

The Pick

The Cardinals will look to lean on Conner’s ground game and Murray’s playmaking ability to stay competitive, but their tendency to start slow could prove costly against a Rams team that thrives on controlling the tempo.

The Rams’ balanced attack, led by Williams on the ground and Stafford’s efficient passing, should be enough to wear down Arizona’s defense and create separation in the second half.

NFL Pick: Rams -3 (-110) at BetOnline

Rams -3 (-110)

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