During Week 17 of the 2024 NFL season, the Los Angeles Rams are set to host the Arizona Cardinals at SoFi Stadium, with significant playoff stakes at play. Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday, December 28 at 8:15 p.m. ET, and the primetime matchup promises to be pivotal as it not only showcases two NFC West rivals but also potentially solidifies the Rams' playoff position.
The Rams, currently 9-6, have seen their fortunes change dramatically over the course of the season. After starting with just one win in their first four games, they have rebounded spectacularly, winning eight of their last ten. They currently sit half a game above the Seattle Seahawks, leading the division and needing to clinch their spot with just one more victory. On the other hand, the Arizona Cardinals, with their 7-8 record, have watched their playoff hopes diminish, dropping four of their last five games and officially being eliminated after last week's overtime loss against the Panthers.
Historically, the Rams have struggled against the Cardinals, having suffered a humiliative 41-10 defeat earlier this season, their second-worst loss under head coach Sean McVay. "We got our butt kicked and it happened quick," Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur stated, reflecting on the team's performance during their last encounter. The Rams now face the challenge of proving they have improved since September and showing they can compete against Arizona's potent offense.
Heading back onto the field, the Rams will depend heavily on quarterback Matthew Stafford, who has thrown 11 touchdowns with only one interception over his last six games. With running back Kyren Williams also showing solid form—rushing for over 100 yards multiple times—Los Angeles has developed a strong offensive balance. Adding to their advantage, the Rams offense has been able to get healthy, which means they can field their best lineup since those early-season struggles.
Meanwhile, the Cardinals, led by quarterback Kyler Murray, will aim to exploit any gaps they can find. Murray has struggled lately, throwing seven turnovers across five games since their bye week, indicating he may be feeling the pressure. They, too, have key players nursing injuries, including running back James Conner, who missed last week and is questionable after knee troubles. Conner’s absence could heavily impact the team's offensive strategy, pushing Murray to rely more on his arm as they attempt to play spoiler against the Rams.
From the betting perspective, the Rams enter as the 6.5-point favorites according to DraftKings, reflecting confidence following their recent success. The over/under is set at 47.5 points, and indications suggest bettors might lean toward the Under, especially considering the Rams' recent focus on running plays and controlling the clock with Williams. Interestingly, the Cardinals have covered the spread six times over their last nine matchups, which presents another layer of intrigue for fans and bettors alike.
Analyzing team injuries heading toward the weekend reveals the depth of concern for the Cardinals. Alongside Conner, they have lost several key contributors, including both starting tackles facing time on injured reserve. Their defensive squad will need to step up, particularly as they contend with Stafford and the efficient Rams attack, which fared well against the Jets with strong rushing performances. Vaughn Dalzell, sports analyst, noted, "Murray and the Cardinals are playing spoiler here, so chances are he will be playing loose"—a sentiment capturing both the opportunity for Arizona and the stakes for Los Angeles.
With the playoff aspirations and the rivalry history laid out, all eyes will be on SoFi this Saturday night as the Rams fight to secure their place and the Cardinals aim for redemption. Can the Rams avenge their earlier defeat and take another step closer to the playoffs? Or will the Cardinals surprise the league with one last stand? Fans and bettors unite as they await the answers.
