3 Bold Predictions: Arizona Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Rams – Wild Card

Cardinals log a memorable defensive performance

Last week, the San Francisco 49ers ravaged Matthew Stafford for five sacks. Look for the Cardinals to continue that barrage on Stafford, who, despite finishing 5-1 to end the season, has taken 23 sacks in the previous nine games, an average of 2.5 sacks per game.

Contrast Stafford’s sack totals to the first eight weeks of the season, where he took just seven sacks. Stafford’s interception total has also picked up. Since November 7th, he has thrown 13 interceptions and 19 touchdown passes. His TD to INT ratio from September 12th to October 31st? He threw 22 touchdown passes to just four interceptions.

While the Cardinals’ defense slipped up last week, let’s not forget how stingy they are on the road. In nine road games, the Cardinals generated 29 of their 41 sacks, 10 of their 13 interceptions, and they allowed just 18.8 points per game. The Rams may be favored to win, but this (not so) bold prediction shows the Cardinals are in prime position to put up a huge defensive performance.