Breaks going Arizona Cardinals way in quest for playoff spot

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 27: Jared Goff #16 of the Los Angeles Rams looks to throw the ball in the first quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on December 27, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 27: Jared Goff #16 of the Los Angeles Rams looks to throw the ball in the first quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on December 27, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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Lady luck appears to be favoring the Arizona Cardinals as they prepare for their do-or-die matchup with the Los Angeles Rams

This past weekend could best be described as a rollercoaster ride for the Arizona Cardinals. On Saturday, the squad forfeited the right to control their own playoff destiny by losing to the severely-undermanned San Francisco 49ers. A day later, the Cards were back in control of their postseason fate, thanks to a victory by one of the club’s most-bitter division rivals.

The Seattle Seahawks 20-9 triumph over the Los Angeles Rams has set up a do-or-die scenario for the Cardinals in their regular-season finale. A win in the critical matchup with the Rams will hand the organization their first playoff appearance since the 2015 season. What’s even more comforting is the fact that the Cardinals will not require help from any other team to break that five-year drought.

With that goal now squarely in their radar, the breaks appear to be falling in Arizona’s favor as well. Over the past couple of days, the Cards learned of some outstanding news regarding their week 17 clash with Los Angeles. Circumstances that could make defeating the Rams a whole lot easier.

The biggest factor that could point the arrow in the Cardinals direction concerns Los Angeles quarterback Jared Goff. Sometime during the loss to the Seahawks, the 26-year old signal-caller dislocated and broke the thumb on his throwing hand. Goff underwent surgery on Monday, and has been ruled out of this weekend’s crucial meeting with the Redbirds.

If that’s not enough, Arizona was informed of some more advantageous news on Tuesday. Rams star wide receiver Cooper Kupp has been placed on the rerserve/COVID-19 list, a designation that could keep him from playing against the Cards on Sunday. The pass-catcher’s status is not yet known, since Los Angeles has not yet disclosed whether Kupp tested positive or was merely in close contact with someone who did.

Next. Cardinals may have to go to their backup plan. dark

Of course, the Cardinals are dealing with a banged-up quarterback of their own, but are hopeful that Kyler Murray (lower leg injury) will be able to take the field versus the Rams. Regardless, the absence of Goff, and possibly Kupp, gives Big Red a much better chance of winning the game. After countless playoff-less campaigns, perhaps Lady Luck is finally residing in Arizona’s corner.