Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Calais Campbell (93) celebrates his sack with teammate Budda Baker (3) as they play against the Carolina Panthers at State Farm Stadium on Sept 14, 2025. Syndication: Arizona Republic
GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals are 10-point underdogs heading into Week 14 vs. the Los Angeles Rams. The pair of NFC West rivals records are a palindrome, illustrated just how different the 2025 season has been for each. Sunday will be the teams first matchup of the season, and like many expected, Arizona has many problems ahead of them.
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The marquee wide receiver names of Puke Nanuca and Davante Adams are surely to give the Cardinals defense trouble, especially with MVP front runner Matthew Stafford under center. However, the biggest problem is the one you don’t expect, and this Rams run game could end Sunday’s game quickly.
Nov 26, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams (23) against the Arizona Cardinals in the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Can Arizona stop Los Angeles’ run game?
In the past five weeks, Los Angeles has averaged 127.6 rushing yards per game, while Arizona has allowed 129 rushing yards per game. During that span, the Rams have a top eight rushing attack, while the Cardinals are bottom nine in the NFL. Running back Kyren Williams has return to his Pro Bowl status in the 2nd half of the season.
Williams is averaging 79.2 rushing yards per game in his last five appearances, and his track record against Arizona will surely improve that average. The 25-year-old has a career 95.5 rushing yards per game average vs. the Cardinals and has reached the endzone five times in those game.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Calais Campbell (93) walks off the field after their 27-23 loss to the Green Bay Packers at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Oct. 19, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
All hope isn’t lost for Arizona, as in the last two matchups, Williams averaged 40.5 yards per contest. Despite the front seven going through a rough past, the Cardinals seem to have figure out something to hinder Williams from taking over the game. With rookie sensation Walter Nolen out, defensive linemen Calais Campbell and Dalvin Tomlinson will need to control the trenches and hinder and holes from opening up for the Rams.
Arizona hasn’t been able to do that in recent weeks, but against a division rival, it must to avoid embarrassment of five-straight home losses.
Can Cardinals WR Michael Wilson continue hot streak in Week 14 vs. Rams?
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
