Los Angeles Rams: Staff predictions for Week 17 vs. Cardinals

The Los Angeles Rams have nothing to play for in Week 17, for the wrong reasons this year, as they take on the Arizona Cardinals.

Over the last two seasons, the Los Angeles Rams have not had much to play for in Week 17. Two years ago the Rams rested their starters in Week 17 and last year they handled the San Francisco 49ers in a game that meant nothing with the New Orleans Saints being the first seed no matter what.

The tradition continues as the Los Angeles Rams yet again have nothing to play for in Week 17, although this time it is for all of the wrong reasons. The Rams were eliminated from playoff contention with a three-point loss to the San Francisco 49ers, which is really hurtful as the Minnesota Vikings lost on Monday night.

If the Rams would have won then they still would be alive as they would have had to win in Week 17 and have the Vikings lose to the Chicago Bears, which being a divisional game, could have definitely happened.

Instead, the Rams play the Cardinals with nothing on the line other than pride. A win at least ensures that the Rams finished with a winning record, which makes things somewhat better than finishing the season 8-8.

Here is what the LA Sports Hub staff is thinking about this game.

Jamaal Artis (16-8): 30-21, Los Angeles Rams

The Rams close out the season and the LA Coliseum on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals. Neither team is going to the playoffs the Rams have already beaten the Cardinals. Expect this to be a showpiece about the Rams history at the Coliseum having played there from 1946-1980 and again when they moved back to LA in 2016.

If both teams play their starters expect another Rams win, though a bitter disappointment after making the Super Bowl last year and subsequently missing the playoffs.

Hil Lopez (14-14): 34-17, Los Angeles Rams

The Rams face the Cardinals in their season finale. They lost a heartbreaker to the 49ers 34-31 on the road last week and look to end the season on a high note.

Despite missing the playoffs, the Rams should and will win this game this week. Arizona QB Kyler Murray is questionable with an ankle injury and won’t be too effective running the ball himself if he gets in open space.

Furthermore, when the Rams last faced the Cardinals, they crushed them on the road.

Redan Lopez (11-15): 20-16, Los Angeles Rams

The Rams have fallen on hard times this season. Their Week 17 game is meaningless and bears no playoff implications. Down possible several starters on offense and defense, the Rams may find it hard to mount any offense rhythm or fight back against the Cardinals.

The Rams will be playing for their fans to show them thanks and provide a glimmer of optimism for next season. It also helps that Cardinals’ QB Kyler Murray will be hobbling out there at less than 100%.

That said, he is still a dual-threat, but won’t be as effective as he can be. The Rams will eventually get this game for the home crowd and send the fans home happy in their season finale at The Coliseum.

Jason Reed (15-15): 30-23, Arizona Cardinals

With nothing on the line, I think the Arizona Cardinals are going to go into Los Angeles and hand the Rams their last loss before heading into their brand-new stadium in 2020.

Even though it is a meaningless game for both parties I do think a win like this means more to a young team with a young head coach and a young quarterback. It does not change anything other than the draft order but it can at least give the Cardinals something to build on, something to provide optimism for next season.

Then all offseason we can look back at how the Cardinals beat the Seahawks and Rams in the last two weeks of the season and how they could make noise in 2020. Meanwhile, the Rams get a fitting end to a disappointing season.