The Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles play each other on Sunday. It is a big game for both teams. The Cardinals want to finish the season strong after their bye week and end their four-game losing streak, while the Rams want to stay relevant in the playoff race and stay over .500.
Which matchups in the game are worth watching?
Rams DT Aaron Donald vs. Cardinals LG Justin Pugh
Donald is the difference-maker on the Rams defense. Pugh is having a fine season at guard. Donald is not having the other-worldly season he had last year but still leads the team with eight sacks. Pugh will have to hold his own to contain Donald and get the running game started.
Cardinals RT Justin Murray vs. Rams OLB Clay Matthews
Matthews has seven sacks this season and has been the edge presence the Rams have been seeking. Murray has been solid but is the weakest spot on the offensive line. Can he protect the edge, giving room for the Cardinals running backs and keep him away from Kyler Murray?
Cardinals OLB Chandler Jones vs. Rams RT Bobby Evans
Jones has the NFL lead in sacks with 12.5 on the season. Evans is a backup getting the start in place of the injured Rob Havenstein. Jones did not get a sack against the Rams in either of their 2018 matchups so he is hungry to take down Jared Goff.
Rams WR Cooper Kupp vs. Cardinals CBs Byron Murphy, Tramaine Brock
Kupp leads the Rams in receptions and receiving yards but Patrick Peterson will likely be matched up against Brandin Cooks or Robert Woods. Kupp has been Jared Goff’s favorite target and the Cardinals pass defense has really been bad this season.
Rams TE Tyler Higbee vs. Cardinals LB Haason Reddick/LB Jordan Hicks/S Budda Baker
The Cardinals have given up the most receiving yards and touchdowns to tight ends in the league. Gerald Everett is the Rams’ top tight end but is out with a knee injury. Higbee isn’t too far behind in production with 26 catches for 212 yards and a touchdown. It’s anyone’s guess how the Cardinals will handle him because no one has done a good job against any tight end.
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