Arizona Cardinals @ Los Angeles Rams - December 28, 2024

As I look ahead to the matchup between the Arizona Cardinals and the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium, I can’t help but reflect on how familiarity breeds a certain animosity in the NFL. This will be yet another chapter in a rivalry that has seen its share of heated moments and competitive spirit. With both teams having faced each other multiple times, there’s an underlying tension that could certainly impact performance.

The Rams come into this game with a solid record of 9-6 and riding high on a four-game winning streak. Their offense averages around 21.9 points per game, which isn’t earth-shattering but shows they know how to get it done when it counts. They’re particularly effective through the air, boasting a completion percentage of over 66%, which tells me they are executing their passing game well, utilizing short to intermediate routes effectively while keeping defenses honest.

On the other hand, we have the Cardinals sitting at 7-8, struggling as of late with only one win in their last five games. They average slightly more points per game than the Rams at 22.9 but have been inconsistent—particularly in their last outing against Carolina where they failed to cover as favorites. The Cardinals do boast an impressive rushing attack, averaging nearly 146 yards per game; this could be crucial against a Rams defense that has shown vulnerabilities against strong running teams.

Now let’s break down what I expect for Saturday’s contest: While oddsmakers opened with the Rams as -5.5-point favorites, my gut tells me that this is going to be a closer affair than anticipated. The Cardinals have had their fair share of struggles recently, especially on the road (1-4 SU), but they’ve also managed to cover six out of nine games recently—a sign that they can keep things tight even if they don’t always secure wins.

My prediction? I believe the Rams will ultimately come away victorious; however, I think Arizona will manage to cover that spread. It’s not uncommon for underdogs to rise up in these familiar matchups; after all, emotions run high when rivals meet—and sometimes it leads to surprising performances from those who are expected to fall short.

As for total scoring? Given both teams’ recent performances—especially with Los Angeles managing just 19 points against a struggling Jets team—I lean towards an UNDER outcome for this contest despite both offenses showing potential earlier in the season.

In summary, expect a gritty battle at SoFi Stadium where familiarity may just play into Arizona’s hands enough for them to keep it close while allowing Los Angeles to edge out another victory in what promises to be an entertaining matchup filled with intensity and strategy reminiscent of some classic playoff showdowns I’ve witnessed throughout my coaching career.