Rams, Cardinals set for NFC West rematch shaped by passing-game matchups

Glendale, AZ - Four weeks after Los Angeles won the first meeting, the Rams and Arizona Cardinals reconvene at State Farm Stadium with two passing attacks facing defenses ranked near the bottom of the league against the pass. The Rams enter the NFC West matchup at 5-4 after a road win over the Commanders, while the 3-6 Cardinals return home on a two-game losing streak.

The division rematch presents an opening for both quarterbacks. Arizona ranks eighth in passing offense at 253.3 yards per game and will test a Los Angeles defense allowing 277.2 passing yards per game, which ranks 31st. On the other side, the Rams average 245.1 passing yards, ranking 11th, against a Cardinals pass defense that ranks 30th at 262.8 yards allowed per game.

Matthew Stafford has completed 162 of 247 passes for 2,023 yards, 15 touchdowns and two interceptions. His efficiency will be central to the Rams' attempt to attack an Arizona defense allowing 404.3 total yards per game, ranked 31st. Puka Nacua enters with 38 catches for 586 yards and seven touchdowns, giving Stafford a productive option against that secondary.

Los Angeles can also test Arizona on the ground. Kyren Williams has rushed 125 times for 689 yards and eight touchdowns, while the Rams rank 14th at 121.4 rushing yards per game. The Cardinals allow 141.6 rushing yards per game, ranking 25th. Sustaining production through both phases could help Los Angeles work against an Arizona defense surrendering 29.2 points per game, which ranks 24th.

Arizona's clearest counter is its passing game. Jacoby Brissett has completed 173 of 290 attempts for 2,224 yards, 16 touchdowns and six interceptions. Michael Wilson has 50 receptions for 708 yards and three touchdowns. Their matchup with the Rams' 31st-ranked pass defense stands in contrast to Arizona's ground game, which averages 89.4 yards and ranks 30th. Jeremiyah Love has recorded 552 yards and four touchdowns on 106 carries.

The Rams have nevertheless limited opponents to 20.9 points per game, the league's sixth-ranked scoring defense, and allow 101.4 rushing yards per game, ranking seventh. Arizona averages 24.1 points per game, which ranks 23rd, so converting its passing production into points will be an important part of the matchup. The Cardinals have gone 2-3 over their last five games and are trying to halt consecutive losses to the Cowboys and Seahawks.

Injuries add uncertainty on both sides without establishing game-day availability. Los Angeles has Davante Adams listed with a torn labrum, while Kevin Dotson is dealing with a dislocated knee. Aaron Donald appears on the injury report with a broken ankle, and Myles Garrett is listed with a broken thumb. For Arizona, James Conner is dealing with a dislocated shoulder. Those issues could affect key areas ranging from pass protection to the defensive front and Arizona's backfield rotation.

The first meeting, played in Week 6 of Season 36, ended with a 27-10 Rams victory in Los Angeles. Brissett completed 25 of 47 passes for 333 yards without a touchdown in that game, but the return meeting shifts to Glendale and arrives with both teams carrying distinct concerns. Los Angeles has won three of its last five games, while Arizona has won two during that span.

The central question is which passing game can make better use of a favorable statistical matchup. Los Angeles brings the better record and a recent win into State Farm Stadium, but Arizona's eighth-ranked passing offense will have an opportunity to challenge the Rams' 31st-ranked pass defense. In a second NFC West meeting within five weeks, controlling those exchanges could be decisive.