The Arizona Cardinals will face the L.A. Rams in Week 2 Sunday afternoon at State Farm Stadium. Both teams are looking for their first win of the season.
Who will come out victorious?
What are the experts saying? Below are picks from the Cards Wire staff and other NFL, Cardinals and Rams experts.
NFL picks Week 2: Rams at Cardinals
Jess Root, Cards Wire
I believe in the Cardinals team. The Rams are so banged up but will struggle up front with the run game. Kyren Williams was a monster last season against the Cardinals, but I’m giving them a little extra juice for their home opener. Tough, close, physical game. Cardinals 24, Rams 20
Howard Balzer, Cards Wire
It’s time. The Cardinals haven’t defeated the Rams at home since 2014 and the Rams were playing in St. Louis then. Additionally, since moving to 7-0 with a home win over the Houston Texans on Oct. 24, 2021, the Cardinals are an astounding 3-19 at home, although 12 of the losses were by one score including seven by a field goal or less. Overall, they are 9-31 overall (9-32 including the playoff loss to the Rams) since being 10-2 in ’21. To win Sunday, it will mean containing running back Kyren Williams, who rushed for 301 yards in the two Rams wins last season, and playing two complete halves of productive offense. Most important is James Conner running the ball well against a team that allowed 60 yards rushing on a 70-yard overtime touchdown drive that won the game for the Lions. Cardinals 24, Rams 20
Cam DaSilva, Rams Wire
Sean McVay seems to have the Cardinals’ number, going 13-2 in 15 career games against Arizona. Obviously, these are two different teams now than the ones we saw in recent years, but I still think the Rams get the job done on the road. As injured as they are, they can now prepare to be without some of their starters rather than needing to adjust in-game to the losses of Avila, Nacua and Noteboom. It could be a slightly lower-scoring game, but I’ll go Rams 24, Cardinals 21.
Seth Cox, Rise Up, See Red podcast
Cardinals 24, Rams 21
NFL Network experts
Eight of the 10 panelists pick the Rams, but Daniel Jeremiah picks the Cardinals for the second straight week. Marcas Grant also believes the Cardinals will win.
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire’s Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
