Arizona Cardinals vs Los Angeles Rams: Preview, prediction

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Oct 2, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) throws while under pressure from Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Ethan Westbrooks (93) during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

Cardinals offense vs Rams Defense

The Cardinals offense conceivably be seeing the last of both quarterback Carson Palmer and receiver Larry Fitzgerald. Both have had retirement speculation surrounding them for weeks, although more so on Fitz’s side of things.

It is hard to believe however that both or even one of them would decide to hang it up given how the 2016 season transpired. Expectations won’t be as high in 2017 but there is still the thought lingering that 2016 was an aberration and the Cardinals will have the ability to make one more run in 2017 despite the expected roster turnover.

The Rams defense though may also have something to say going into the season finale. They were lit up a couple of weeks ago against the high-powered Atlanta Falcons offense. Last week they allowed the San Francisco 49ers to come back for only their second victory of the season.

The Rams defense put a couple of Cardinals out of commission the last time they played, including Palmer, who left with a concussion and missed the Cardinals following game. Drew Stanton had to come in and clean up and was intercepted twice in the few short minutes he played in the fourth quarter.

The Cardinals offensive line again will be key. They played much better last week in the victory over the Seattle Seahawks. They will need to step it up against a very good Rams defensive line however. Palmer was sacked three times by the Rams in the first game in Glendale, 1.5 sacks from defensive tackle Aaron Donald.

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