St. Louis vs Arizona NFL Handicapping
St. Louis running back Zac Stacy and the Rams arrive in Arizona to take on wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and the Cardinals, who are looking to continue their wild-card push when they host their division foe on Sunday night.
When: Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013 at 4:25 p.m. EST
Where: University of Phoenix Stadium, Phoenix, Arizona
TV: FOX
LINE: -6.5 (Cardinals), O/U 41.5
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Stacy is averaging nearly 100 yards over his last five games, and he is a big reason why St. Louis has proved to be up to the challenge against top competition all season long.
The Rams (5-7) took care of the Colts and the Bears in back-to-back games before falling 23-13 at San Francisco last week, and believe it or not, are still mathematically in the hunt in the NFC wild card race.
Even without injured starting quart back Sam Bradford, the Rams have performed well, with rookie Tavon Austin hauling in four long touchdowns from back up Kellen Clemmons in the wins over the Bears and Colts.
However, Austin was held to only 25 receiving yards against San Francisco, and could have another rough week against a strong Arizona pass defense.
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Meanwhile, Arizona (7-5) finds itself one game behind the 49ers for the No. 6 spot in the NFC, after having its four-game winning streak come to an end in a 24-21 loss at Philadelphia last week.
The Cardinals struggled against the Eagles, as quarterback Carson Palmer fought through an elbow injury and threw a pair of interceptions , ending a string of four straight games with one or fewer picks.
The veteran gunslinger had thrown for eight touchdowns and just a pair of INTs during the Cards four-game winning streak, and had 327 yards and two scores in the first meeting with St. Louis, during a 27-24 loss way back in Week 1.
His favorite target had been Fitzgerald, who caught two TD passes in the first meeting against the Rams, and has at least one TD reception in three straight games.
Matt’s Free Prediction
The Rams have taken three straight in the series with Arizona, and overcame an 11-point fourth-quarter deficit to take the first meeting of the 2013 campaign.
Both teams are putting together surprising seasons, making this one tough to call.
However, my gut tells me the Rams can get this one done on the road, as Arizona’s one dimensional defense is outdone by the St. Louis’ swelling rushing attack.
Rams 27, Cardinals 24
