The Los Angeles Rams (11-3) need to bounce back in a big way after suffering their second straight loss last week. A matchup against the Arizona Cardinals (3-11) in Week 16 could be just what the doctor ordered.
The Rams are now only one game ahead of the Chicago Bears in the race to secure a first round playoff bye, so there’s no room for error. Can the Rams rebound this Sunday and take care of business against a far inferior Cardinals team?
The Turf Show Times’ staff make their predictions…
Eddie Perez (@iAmEddieP_)
Two weeks, two losses for the LA Rams. No worries, however, HC Sean McVay won’t “strikeout” and lose a third in a row.
The Cards are cellar-dwelling team this season, jousting with Oakland for the top pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Prediction: Rams win, 30-10
Eric Nagel (@Eric_nagel)
If they can’t get their offense back on track against this injured Cardinals team, I’m hiding for all of January.
Prediction: Rams win, 27-9
Charlie Hiller (@charliehiller)
Zuerlein hits one from 70.
Prediction: Rams win, 3-2
Skye Sverdlin (@skyeattolah)
This time the Rams will win the turnover battle against Josh Rosen and the Cards, and will win the game. There will be a little general relief felt in Rams world, but a couple reasons to continue to worry about how things will translate against better teams. Half smiles for everyone.
Prediction: Rams win, 26-13
Kristian Ramirez (@KristianRamirez)
This is truly a make or break game for the Rams. If they lose this one, I’m ready to say that we’ll definitely be one and done in the playoffs again this season.
Prediction: Rams win, 28-6
Elijah Kim (@Big_EZK)
The Rams look to get back on the winning track against the Arizona Cardinals. After losing back to back games for the first time under Coach Sean McVay, Jared Goff and the offense want to break out of their slump against the struggling 3-11 Cardinals. While the Rams would normally try to get back on track by feeding Todd Gurley, the Rams star running back is nursing a knee injury, likely forcing Goff to break his slump on his own.
The defense will try to contain rookie QB Josh Rosen and get a feel good win. Unfortunately, many fans, including myself can’t help but think pessimistically after the back to back Sunday Night Football performances.
Prediction: Rams win, 31-21
Hotdaddywags (@hotdaddywags)
Can you feel that? No, it’s not a warm desert wind. It’s the collective exhale of a panicked fan base. Look, Arizona’s shitty. They’re perhaps less shitty than they were when the Rams beat them back in week 2, but this is simply not a very talented football team. I thought the “get-right” game was last week, and I sure was wrong, but I think we find our way on Sunday and return to form. Will a big win erase all doubts? No. But it’ll go a long way towards steadying the ship, particularly if Jared Goff looks sharp at the helm.
Prediction: Rams win, 33-17
Brennan Smith (@BrennanJSmith)
This game should be a nice rebound opportunity for the Rams. The Cardinals inexplicably benched Josh Rosen last week for a bit and Arizona’s offense is struggling. Defensively, Patrick Peterson is still a great player and will probably match up with Robert Woods. I’m expecting a big game from Brandin Cooks and a much sharper Jared Goff. The offensive line also has to respond and keep Chandler Jones in check. I’d also like to see Todd Gurley on a pitch count and if the Rams get up big early, to completely shut him down.
Prediction: Rams win, 28-13
Sosa Kremenjas (@QBsMVP)
The Rams seriously need to build some momentum these last two weeks of the season. Offensively, they need to play a cleaner and more efficient game. Defensively, continue to play well and get Aaron Donald the record that he so deserves.
Prediction: Rams win, 35-17
Sean Wilkinson (@Papa_Lurch)
The talent level between the Cardinals and Rams is drastically different, but the Rams haven’t been playing to their talent level since their bye week. This might get uncomfortable for Rams fans.
Prediction: Rams win, 23-20
3k (@3k_)
Since we did the roasted chicken last week, we’ve already got chicken made. Given that it’s mid-December, there are few better ways to use leftover roasted chicken than to make some Chicken n’ Dumplins.
Prediction: Rams win, 41-10
Brandon Bate (@NoPlanB_)
I want to say “I can’t think of a single reason that the Rams should lose this game,” but I tried that last week and it went…poorly. I do, however, think the Rams’ defense keeps the scoring low enough that Jared Goff and offense won’t be asked to blow the doors off the Cardinals. Hopefully they are able to find some sort of rhythm and get back into the swing of things this weekend.
Also, go 49ers.
Prediction: Rams win, 27-9