NFL Playoff schedule set: Cards-Rams set for Monday, on ManningCast
Jan 9, 2022, 8:22 PM | Updated: Jan 10, 2022, 7:19 am
Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams throws the ball against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on December 13, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
(Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
Both the Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Rams, with the NFC West division unsettled heading into Week 18, had their chances.
Neither took advantage Sunday, with Arizona losing to Seattle and Los Angeles falling in overtime to San Francisco to close their respective regular seasons.
With the Rams winning the NFC West by default, the two results set the foes up for a playoff rematch.
The NFL announced the 4-5 matchup in the NFC will clash Monday in Los Angeles at SoFi Stadium as the playoff picture was resolved on Sunday night.
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Time
Monday, 6:15 p.m. MST
TV
ESPN, ABC, ESPN2 (ManningCast), ESPN+
Odds
Rams favored (-3.5), per FanDuel Sportsbook
Season series
Oct. 3 (Week 4): Cardinals 37, Rams 20
It was a balanced attack for Arizona that resulted in a rout at SoFi Stadium that thrust the team to the top of the standings with a 4-0 record.
For the Cardinals, receivers DeAndre Hopkins and A.J. Green, plus tight end Maxx Williams, caught 67, 67 and 66 yards, respectively.
On the ground, Arizona backs Chase Edmonds (120 yards) and James Conner (50), as well as quarterback Kyler Murray (39), spread the wealth to average 5.4 yards per tote.
Conner had two scores, while Murray threw for 268 yards and two touchdowns, outplaying Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, who connected with the NFL’s leading receiver, Cooper Kupp, on just five of 13 targets for 64 yards.
Hopkins and Williams have since suffered serious injuries, and Edmonds and Conner have been banged up in recent weeks, with their availability for the playoff game a question as well.
Dec. 13 (Week 14): Rams 30, Cardinals 23
This was the first loss of a 1-4 skid to end the Cardinals’ regular season. And it came at State Farm Stadium.
Stafford finished 23-of-30 for 287 yards and three touchdowns, with his 139 passer rating marking the second-best performance of his first year as Rams quarterback.
Relatedly, Kupp was back on track, making 13 catches on 15 targets for 123 yards and a score.
Murray’s 61 rushing yards aside, Los Angeles hemmed in the quarterback, forcing him into two interceptions and getting hands on eight passes thrown.
The Rams also controlled the ground game, limiting Conner to 2.4 yards per carry.
