Arizona Cardinals (9-2) at St. Louis Rams (4-7)
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, at Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis – TV: FOX
*TV announcers: Chris Myers, Ronde Barber, Jennifer Hale
*Keys to the game: The Rams’ ability to be competitive begins with the offensive line creating holes for rookie RB Todd Gurley. Whether it’s Case Keenum (concussion) or Nick Foles behind center, the Rams lack the ability to stretch the field vertically without committing turnovers. Gurley regularly faces eight- and nine-man fronts dedicated to stopping him but has still shown the ability to generate big plays when his blocking provides even a modest hole to hit.
The Cardinals will go with a committee in the backfield with RB Chris Johnson (tibia) out for the season unless Arizona reaches the Super Bowl. David Johnson, Andre Ellington, Stepfan Taylor and Kerwynn Williams are the options, although Ellington is battling a turf toe injury. The 224-pound David Johnson has been effective, but he has also put the ball on the ground three times and St. Louis must win the turnover battle to stick around late into the game.
Arizona can move the ball through the air against anyone – provided it can protect QB Carson Palmer. The Rams enter with 30 sacks and must get to Palmer before he exploits mismatches downfield.
*Matchup to watch – Cardinals RG Ted Larsen vs. Rams DT Aaron Donald: Jonathan Cooper has recovered from a knee injury, but coaches have decided to stick with Larsen. Donald is one of the most athletic and disruptive interior defensive linemen in the league.
*Player spotlight – Rams WR Tavon Austin: St. Louis continues to be creative in getting the ball into the hands of its most dynamic receiver. He should see significant time working against another dynamic athlete in Cardinals FS Tyrann Mathieu.
*Fast facts: Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald needs eight catches to reach 1,000 for his career. He needs 8 yards to reach 1,000 for the season. It would be his first 1,000-yard season since 2011. … Gurley rushed for 146 yards against Arizona in the first meeting, 144 in the second half.
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
Too many things have to go just right for the Rams, who can play dominating defense but rarely for four quarters as the offense fails to hold up its end of the bargain.
*Our pick: Cardinals 22-16.