7 bold predictions for LA Rams in Week 17 against the Cardinals

The LA Rams (9-6) host the Arizona Cardinals (7-8) in Week 17 of the 2024 NFL season. The last time these two teams clashed the Rams emerged on the short end of the scoreboard. At the time, the Rams were 0-2 and were heading for a 1-4 record before their Week 6 BYE. Since that BYE, the Rams roster has gotten healthy. Rookies have gotten a great deal of NFL experience. And the Rams have won eight of their last 10 games.

While it's is okay to pause for a moment and relish the interim success of this team, it's far too early to celebrate. After all, the Rams sole path to the NFL Playoffs lies in claiming the NFC West Division title. Right now, the Seattle Seahawks (9-7) also have a path to claiming the Division title. And so, the Rams must win the final two games of the season to ensure that they, and not the Seahawks, make the playoffs this year.

But winning games doesn't just happen. Players must step up, units must flex their proficiency. And in the roller coast ride that has become the Rams trademark in 2024, there is no level of certainty over how the Rams will perform. One week it's an offensive eruption. Fo the next two weeks, it's two defensive master classes. So what bold predictions am I prepared to make for this team in Week 17? I have seven images that formed clearly in the crystal ball this time. They are:

(7) - Nacua, Kupp, and Robinson put up 200+ yards and 2+ TDs

It may seem ridiculous to put any stock in the LA Rams receivers showing up in a big way after the past two games have seen the team struggle to put up 31 points, but such is the way the team has been playing this year. Right now, the Rams aerial assault is viewed by many to be on life support in the ICU. That is just when it seems to roar back to life.

The Arizona Cardinals did face Puka Nacua or Tyler Higbee in Week 2, and they were very present in the team's Week 16 victory over the New York Jets. It's a plinko impact for the offense when the team has all the starters on the football field. With Nacua and Kupp drawing much of the attention, Demarcus Robinson is very effective at scoring and hauling in clutch first down receptions. With Nacua, Kupp is able to sneak into cleared out zones. And with Kupp and Robinson, Nacua is able to create mismatches and put up plenty of receptions and receiving yards to extend offensive drives.

And the team loves the return of TE Tyler Higbee, particularly in the red zone.

This offense has a tremendous reservoir of offensive talent. The team has underused wide receivers like Tutu Atwell, Jordan Whittington, Xavier Smith, and Tyler Johnson. But the team gets it right this week. Puka Nacua, Cooper Kupp, and Demarcus Robinson are a solid trio to optimize receiving yards against a solid Cardinals secondary.

Bold Prediction: Puka Nacua, Cooper Kupp, and Demarcus Robinson combine for 200+ receiving yards and 2+ touchdowns