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

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 Sims	DE	Neck	Full Participation in Practice	Probable
Jake Long	T	Concussion	Full Participation in Practice	Probable
Brandon McGee	CB	Foot	Did Not Participate In Practice	Questionable
Daren Bates	LB	Concussion	Full Participation in Practice	Probable
Scott Wells	C	Fibula	Did Not Participate In Practice	Out
Harvey Dahl	G	Knee	Full Participation in Practice	Probable
ARI
Michael Floyd	WR	Ankle	Full Participation in Practice	Probable
Dave Zastudil	P	right Ankle	Full Participation in Practice	Probable
Rashad Johnson	S	Ribs	Full Participation in Practice	Probable
Kevin Minter	LB	Shoulder	Full Participation in Practice	Probable
Jim Dray	TE	Back	Full Participation in Practice	Probable
Rob Housler	TE	Ankle	Limited Participation in Practice	Questionable
Andre Ellington	RB	Knee	Full Participation in Practice	Probable
Marcus Benard	LB	Shoulder	Full Participation in Practice	Probable
Carson Palmer	QB	right Elbow	Limited Participation in Practice	Questionable

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.

Schedule