Rams aim to maintain their superiority against the NFC West foe Cardinals on the road.
- RAMS OFFENSE: OVERALL (17), RUSH (20), PASS (15), SCORING (22).
- RAMS DEFENSE: OVERALL (18), RUSH (22), PASS (13), SCORING (20).
- CARDINALS OFFENSE: OVERALL (25), RUSH (9), PASS (29), SCORING (25).
- CARDINALS DEFENSE: OVERALL (24), RUSH (26), PASS (12), SCORING (27).
TURNOVER DIFFERENTIAL: Rams minus-2; Cardinals minus-2.
RAMS ACTIVITY TO WATCH: RB Kyren Williams. After missing four games due to a sprained ankle, Los Angeles’ top rusher is anticipated to make a comeback. Williams ran for a career-high 158 yards and a touchdown against Arizona last month, displaying flashes of star potential.
He should invigorate the Rams’ patchy offense, which in Williams’ absence primarily relied on veteran wide receivers Royce Freeman and Darrell Henderson.
CARDINALS PLAYER TO WATCH: Kyler Murray, QB. Since returning from an approximate 11-month absence due to a ruptured ACL in his right knee, he has a 1-1 record as the starter. He has essentially looked like the Murray of old through two games.
In the Texans’ defeat last week, he ran for 51 yards and completed 20 of 30 passes for 214 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Murray’s confidence ought to increase as he grows more at ease with offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, a rookie.
KEY MATCHUP: Matt Ryan, the quarterback for the Rams, and the Cardinals’ defense. Due to a biceps injury, linebacker Kyzir White of Arizona, who leads the team in tackles, will be sidelined for some time.
Jalen Thompson and Budda Baker, the Cardinals’ gifted safety combo, will need to perform well. Both Baker and Thompson missed the Rams’ 26-9 victory over the Cardinals earlier this season due to injuries.
KEY INJURIES: Leki Fotu (hand) and White of the Cardinals were placed on injured reserve on Tuesday, which means they will miss the minimum of the next four games. Inactive for the game last week was rookie wide receiver Michael Wilson (shoulder). WR Puka Nacua (shoulder) was limited in practice on Wednesday, and WR Cooper Kupp (ankle) was absent. Due to a hamstring injury, S Quentin Lake, a crucial slot defender in recent weeks, was also absent from practice on Wednesday.
SERIES NOTES: In the last 14 games in the series, the Rams have won 12 of them. Since 2014, the Rams have defeated the Cardinals in Arizona eight times in a row.