St. Louis Rams @ Arizona Cardinals Preview, Game Time, and Channel Info

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Sep 8, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams defensive end Robert Quinn (94) knocks the ball away from Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) during the second half at Edward Jones Dome. The Rams recovered the ball and went on to defeat the Cardinals 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 8, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams defensive end Robert Quinn (94) knocks the ball away from Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) during the second half at Edward Jones Dome. The Rams recovered the ball and went on to defeat the Cardinals 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports /

Today the St. Louis Rams will travel to the dessert in Arizona to play the division rival Cardinals. The Rams’ playoff hopes were all lost last week when got swept by the 49ers. The Cardinals however are right in the thick of the wild card race and will be looking to stay in it or possibly even get ahead.

This game is set to be played at 3:25 CT on FOX. Dick Stockton, Ronde Barber, Kris Budden will be on the call. You can catch the game on DIRECTV channel 714 or listen to the game on NFL mobile or nfl.com audio pass. You can also catch the game later on nfl.com game rewind.

The Rams come into this game at 5-7 and will be looking to get back on the winning track where it all began this season after losing to the 49ers last week. These two teams have gone in separate directions since week one and both teams look a lot differently.

The Cardinals come in at 7-5 and will be looking to keep their playoff hopes alive. A loss and a 49ers win against the Seahawks would take away any playoff chance the Cardinals have away. The Cardinals have played good defense this season and will be looking to keep that up.

Injury Report 

STL
Eugene SimsDENeckFull Participation in PracticeProbable
Jake LongTConcussionFull Participation in PracticeProbable
Brandon McGeeCBFootDid Not Participate In PracticeQuestionable
Daren BatesLBConcussionFull Participation in PracticeProbable
Scott WellsCFibulaDid Not Participate In PracticeOut
Harvey DahlGKneeFull Participation in PracticeProbable
ARI
Michael FloydWRAnkleFull Participation in PracticeProbable
Dave ZastudilPright AnkleFull Participation in PracticeProbable
Rashad JohnsonSRibsFull Participation in PracticeProbable
Kevin MinterLBShoulderFull Participation in PracticeProbable
Jim DrayTEBackFull Participation in PracticeProbable
Rob HouslerTEAnkleLimited Participation in PracticeQuestionable
Andre EllingtonRBKneeFull Participation in PracticeProbable
Marcus BenardLBShoulderFull Participation in PracticeProbable
Carson PalmerQBright ElbowLimited Participation in PracticeQuestionable

Players To Watch: Robert Quinn and Tyrann Mathieu

Last time these two teams played in week one, Robert Quinn started what has been a great 2013 campaign. Quinn recorded three sacks and made the Cardinals offensive tackles trying to stop him look like they didn’t belong on the football field.

Speaking of not looking like they belonged on the field, that was Tyann Mathieu week one. That has changed since then as he has become the second highest rated cornerback behind only Darrelle Revis. The Rams took advantage of Mathieu’s inexperience in week one, that may be a challenge this week.

Matchup To Watch: Robert Quinn vs  Bradley Sowell

Like I said earlier. In the week one matchup, Quinn got to Palmer three times which had a big part in the Rams’ win. If Quinn can do the same, the Rams will have a chance in this game. Tight end Jared Cook vs the Cardinals linebackers and safeties and Cardinals wide receivers vs the Rams defensive backs will also be  big match ups to watch.

Last Meeting: Rams 27 Cardinals 24

The Rams came back from a 24-14 late deficit to come back with a Greg Zuerlein game winning field goal and win their first opener since 2006.

Madden Prediction: Rams 31-10

Prediction: Rams 16 Cardinals 27

These teams have gone in different directions since week one. I think the Cardinals defense is too much for the Rams offense right now, and these Cardinals wide receivers will be too much for the Rams defense. Cardinals running back Andre Ellington also hasn’t been too bad running the ball.