The Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Rams face each other for the second time this season. In the first matchup, the Rams won in a 34-7 blowout. In this final game of the season for both teams, some matchups will matter more than others
Here are four that will be key to the result of the game.
Chandler Jones vs. Andrew Whitworth or David Edwards
Jones only has half a sack in the last three games against the Rams. He is one sack away from 20 and four from the NFL record. Whitworth has not participated in practice this week yet. That means Edwards could get the start, meaning Jones could face a backup tackle for the second week in a row.
Aaron Donald vs. Justin Pugh
Donald had 1.5 sacks in the first game between the two teams. Kyler Murray was sacked six times in that game. If the Cardinals are going to make plays in the passing game, Pugh has to slow Donald.
Patrick Peterson vs. Robert Woods
Peterson is playing his best football of the season over the last two weeks. He appears to have turned things around. Woods torched the Cardinals for 13 catches and 172 yards in the last matchup. Peterson limited Odell Beckham Jr. and shut out DK Metcalf. Can he take Woods out of the game this time?
Tyler Higbee vs. Cardinals defense
Higbee, who has been huge the last several weeks, had seven catches for 107 yards and a touchdown in the first matchup. Tight ends in general have been a problem for the Cardinals. It will be a committee of players who will be asked to cover him, whether it is Jordan Hicks, Joe Walker, Budda Baker, Jalen Thompson or Haason Reddick.
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