Rams (0-1) AT Cardinals (0-1)
When: Sunday, 1:05 p.m.
Where: University of Phoenix Stadium; Glendale, Ariz.
TV: KTTV-11 (Los Angeles), KUTP-10 (Glendale); STREAMING: Fubo, NFL+.
Radio: KSPN-AM (710 Los Angeles), ESPN Radio (National)
Line: Cardinals by 1 point; over/under 47.5
Notable injury designations:
Rams: Unspecified: S Quentin Lake (Hip), OT Rob Havenstein (Foot), LB Christian Rozeboom (Hip), G Kevin Dotson (Foot), CB Cobie Durant (Toe), TE Davis Allen (Back)
Cardinals: Unspecified: QB Kyler Murray (knee) Questionable: WR Xavier Weaver (Oblique), CB Max Melton (Concussion)
What is at stake? A pair of NFC West rivals seek to avoid starting their seasons 0-2. The Los Angeles Rams limp into Arizona to face the Cardinals, missing swaths of their offense. Puka Nacua, Joe Noteboom and Steve Avila were all placed on the injured reserve list after suffering injuries against Detroit. Sean McVay had to scrap the gameplan and develop things on the fly to contend in Detroit.
In recent history, The Rams are 13-2 against the Cardinals in their past 15 games. Los Angeles has outscored Arizona by 211 points in that span, including 34- and 33-point victories and four other wins by at least 20 points.
Who's better? The Cardinals are still building and revamping their roster. The injuries the Rams have sustained, particularly along the offensive line, make this game a push. However, Cooper Kupp remains unguardable, and Matthew Stafford is still a gunslinger.
The Rams will do a better job at controlling the clock to ensure that their aggressive defense doesn't falter down the stretch. This game will be close, but the Rams have the savviness and moxie to leave with a win.
Matchup to watch: How will Rams S Quentin Lake fare against Trey McBride? Lake has the skill set and athleticism to cover McBride, but Arizona is multiple with how they deploy the third-year tight end.
Rams win if: They get Kyren Williams and Blake Corum going early. Kupp and Stafford showcased that this offense still has enough firepower for them to contend against Detroit. Tyler Johnson and Jordan Whittington must step up in Nacua's absence.
Defensively, the Rams must keep Kyler Murray in the pocket. If Murray is allowed to scramble, he will consistently give Troy Reeder and Christian Rozeboom fits. Defensive coordinator Chris Shula should utilize a spy and zone coverage to keep Murray contained. It will be imperative for the Rams' pass rush to exercise rush lane discipline to keep him corraled.