The Arizona Cardinals are set to host the Los Angeles Rams this Sunday at State Farm Stadium in a matchup that carries very different stakes for each team. For the Rams, this is a high-leverage divisional game with postseason implications. For the Cardinals, it's about pride, development, and evaluating what’s left on the roster as they navigate a tough season.
Cardinals vs. Rams: Two Teams, Two Directions
Let’s start with the basics: The Rams come into this game leading the NFC West and firmly in the hunt for the conference’s top seed. Matthew Stafford is playing some of his best football in years, and it’s not a stretch to say he’s putting together an MVP-caliber season. He’s been sharp, decisive, and most importantly, healthy - a key factor in the Rams’ resurgence this year.
The Cardinals, meanwhile, are 3-9 and riding a four-game losing streak. And the hits just keep coming.
Kyler Murray has been ruled out for the rest of the season, which means Jacoby Brissett will make his eighth start under center. Brissett’s a veteran who knows how to manage a game, but the offense is clearly missing the dynamic playmaking Murray brings to the table.
Adding to the Cardinals’ challenges, rookie wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. won’t suit up this week, and Greg Dortch has been placed on injured reserve. That leaves Arizona thin at receiver, which could make moving the ball against a physical Rams defense even tougher.
Kickoff Details
- Date: Sunday, Dec. 7
- Time: 4:25 p.m. ET / 2:25 p.m.
Arizona time
- TV: FOX
- Announcers: Kenny Albert (play-by-play), Jonathan Vilma (analyst)
- Streaming: Fubo (free trial available)
As always, team inactives will be announced 90 minutes before kickoff - worth watching, especially given the injury concerns on both sides.
What to Watch For
For the Rams, this is a game they have to win if they want to keep pace in the NFC race. Stafford’s command of the offense has been impressive, and the chemistry with his receivers has only improved as the season’s gone on. Expect them to test a Cardinals secondary that’s been stretched thin over the past few weeks.
On the other side, Arizona is in evaluation mode. Brissett gives them a steady hand at quarterback, but without key weapons like Harrison Jr. and Dortch, the offense will need to get creative. Look for the Cardinals to lean on their run game and short passing attack to try and keep the Rams’ pass rush at bay.
Arizona’s 2025 Season So Far
It’s been a rollercoaster for the Cardinals. They opened the season with a couple of gritty wins - including a strong showing against the Saints and a tight victory over the Panthers. But since then, it’s been a string of close calls and missed opportunities.
Here’s how the season has unfolded:
- Sept. 7: Cardinals 20, Saints 13
- Sept. 14: Cardinals 27, Panthers 22
- Sept. 21: 49ers 16, Cardinals 15
- **Sept.
28**: Seahawks 23, Cardinals 20
- **Oct.
5**: Titans 22, Cardinals 21
- **Oct.
12**: Colts 31, Cardinals 27
- **Oct.
19**: Packers 27, Cardinals 23
- **Oct.
26**: BYE
- **Nov.
3**: Cardinals 27, Cowboys 17
- **Nov.
9**: Seahawks 44, Cardinals 22
- Nov. 16: 49ers 41, Cardinals 22
- Nov. 23: Jaguars 27, Cardinals 24 (OT)
- Nov. 30: Buccaneers 20, Cardinals 17
There’s a pattern here - the Cardinals have been competitive in most of their games, but they haven’t been able to close the door late. Whether it’s missed field goals, turnovers, or defensive breakdowns, the little things have added up.
Looking Ahead
After this week’s clash with the Rams, Arizona has three more games to close out the regular season:
- Dec. 14: at Texans
- Dec. 21: vs.
Falcons
- Dec. 27/28: at Bengals
- TBD: at Rams
It’s a tough stretch, but it’s also a chance for the Cardinals to see what they’ve got in their depth players and young talent. Every snap matters when you’re building for the future.
Tickets Still Available
If you're in the Phoenix area and want to catch this game live, tickets are still available. It may not be a playoff preview, but it's a chance to see a high-flying Rams team and support a Cardinals squad that’s still fighting every week.
Final Thoughts
This Sunday’s game is a study in contrast. One team is chasing a Super Bowl seed; the other is searching for pieces to build around. But that’s what makes December football so compelling - even when the records don’t match, the stakes are always real.
Whether you're tuning in to watch Stafford’s MVP push or keeping an eye on Arizona’s future, there’s plenty to take away from this Week 14 showdown.