NFL Predictions: Week 4 Picks and Hot Takes
By Joe Wedra
Los Angeles Rams at Arizona Cardinals, 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday, FOX
What a strange start to the season for Arizona. Much like the Panthers, it’s been a tale of seemingly two teams hitting the field. Last week’s offensive output against Buffalo was as poor as we’ve seen from Bruce Arians’ group in recent memory. Carson Palmer shouldered much of the blame after tossing four interceptions, but the struggles existed across the board. At home, the Rams present a winnable matchup. The one-on-one battles go to Arizona almost across the board, and there’s little doubt that they’ll be ready to roll at home after dropping two of their first three games.
But Jeff Fisher’s team might have a little something to say about the confidence of their divisional rival’s fanbase. They were effective in the short-yardage game last week, helping Todd Gurley get into the end zone for the first two times this season. The young back has fallen a bit short of expectations of a colossal breakout season, but his growth is evident. The issue here is the ultimate single-threat of the Los Angeles offense. The Arizona strategy is simple — stuff Gurley at the point of attack and the game is won.
Barring another performance akin to last week’s debacle, Arizona is going to score. And unless the Rams can put up numbers in the passing game, it’ll be difficult to out-score a potent Cardinals attack.
Arizona finds rhythm, Cardinals beat Rams in divisional showdown, 29-19.