The Arizona Cardinals face the Los Angeles Rams on the road in Week 6. They are underdogs as they have been in every game this season, and they are also shorthanded — no Kyler Murray, no James Conner, no Budda Baker, no Jalen Thompson.
If the Cardinals are going to have a chance at winning, they will need to win individual matchups.
Some matchups are worth paying attention to!
Below are the Cardinals’ key matchups in their game against the Rams on Sunday afternoon.
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.
CB Antonio Hamilton vs. WR Cooper Kupp
With Jalen Thompson out with a hamstring injury, Hamilton will be the Cardinals’ slot corner. Kupp is one of the very best in the NFL in production from the slot.
Kupp made his 2023 debut last week, catching eight passes for 118 yards, while the Cardinals have allowed a receiver to gain 148 and 192 yards in each of the last two weeks.
LG Elijah Wilkinson vs. DT Aaron Donald
Donald will line up all over the defensive line but Wilkinson has appeared to be the Cardinals’ week spot on the offensive line so far.
Donald is not the same dominant player like he has been but is still a very good one. He has 2.5 sacks through five games but in 18 career games against the Cardinals, he has 16 sacks, 23 tackles for loss and 30 quarterback hits.
CBs Kei'Trel Clark and Marco Wilson vs. WR Puka Nacua
Nacua has set early rookie receiving records thus far. And even with Kupp back last week, he had his “worst” game, which was seven catches for 71 yards and a touchdown.
Clark was benched last week and Wilson has struggled this season.
Cardinals OLBs vs. Alaric Jackson, Ron Havenstein
Matthew Stafford is a different quarterback when he gets pressured. The Cardinals, shorthanded in the secondary, need pressure up front. Zaven Collins, Victor Dimukeje and Dennis Gardeck all have multiple sacks this season.
