Last-Minute Prediction for Arizona Cardinals Week 3 Matchup

The Arizona Cardinals are looking to extend their record to 2-1 as they square off against the defending Super Bowl Champions. 

With the NFC West tied at 1-1, the Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Rams know how important this early season matchup is. While it’s not even October yet, Week 3 will bring a sense of urgency for two franchises who have noticeably struggled in their respective first two outings.

Further, the Cardinals have not won at State Farm Stadium for nearly a year. So what can you expect from the Cardinals today? Someone to come up big, and in Sunday’s game, that player will be Isaiah Simmons.

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Arizona Cardinals linebacker looking to prove critics wrong

While Byron Murphy made the game-winning play in last week’s win over the Las Vegas Raiders, Simmons made it possible with a forced fumble. And while I have been one of his harshest critics, I am simultaneously one of the star-crossed linebacker’s biggest supporters, having pulled for the Cardinals to take him back in 2020. That said, I’d rather him not be a bust.

In my prediction today, Simmons goes off. And I’m going to get bold, looking for him to log a sack, a tackle for loss, and an interception. All of which will help lead the Arizona Cardinals to a win over their heated rival.

A lack of playing time that saw just 15 snaps had to light a fire in Simmons, and he went one for one with a forced fumble that let the Cardinals steal the game right from under the Raiders noses. Today, Simmons should get more playing time and the opportunity to build on his clutch moment from last week.

Last night, I also wrote how the Cardinals may be smart to place Simmons at edge considering his recent struggles and lack of an effective pass rush through two weeks. Maybe we will also see some of that occur today as the Cardinals continue to try and figure out how to best use their star linebacker.