:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47811099/usa-today-8844515.0.jpg)
The Arizona Cardinals hope to get their sixth straight win on Sunday and avenge an early-season loss to the St. Louis Rams. The Cardinals and Rams play and Arizona could sweep their road NFC West schedule. The Rams could sweep the season series with the Cardinals.
Here are some matchups to watch:
Todd Gurley vs. Cardinals front seven:
The Cardinals did a great job for most of the game in their first game against the Rams. But four carries did them in. He rushed for 146 yards, but four of those carries went for 123 yards. Gurley has only averaged 3.1 yards per carry in his last four games. Will he break out again or will the Cardinals keep him in check this time around?
Tavon Austin vs. Justin Bethel, others
Austin caught six passes for 96 yards in their last meeting. He used his speed to make plays and got behind Jerraud powers a couple of times. Powers is not playing this week, so Justin Bethel will get most of the work against him with help, as Patrick Peterson usually follows Kenny Britt.
Nick Foles vs. Cardinals
Foles seems to play the Cardinals well. He has eight touchdowns and only two interceptions against the Cardinals in three starts. If you look at the disaster that has been 2015 for Foles, he had his best game against the Cardinals. In that game, he threw for three touchdowns and was not intercepted once. Against the rest of the league, he only has three touchdown passes and nine interceptions.
Cardinals anemic pass rush vs. Rams awful pass blocking
The Rams have not given up a ton of sacks (only 15), but according to Pro Football Focus, the offensive line has given up a league-high 42 hits on their quarterbacks.
David Johnson vs. Rams rush defense
David Johnson will get the start and the lion's share of the offensive load at running back. The Rams give up 111 yards per game. he has a chance to show his abilities against a team that doesn't stop the run well.
Aaron Donald vs. Ted Larsen
Donald is a beast. Larsen has graded very poorly by Pro Football Focus (-8.9) in two starts at right guard replacing Jonathan Cooper. Donald has seven sacks on the season and 47 tackles. Can Larsen hold his own?