<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 18px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 16px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: #0000FF;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 16px;    text-decoration: none;}ul {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 16px;}ol {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;    font-size: 16px;    border-left: 2px solid black;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 12px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;    background-color: #EFEFEF;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article><header><figure><img src="https://clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Texans-news-DeAndre-Hopkins-reacts-to-Andre-Johnson-bashing-franchise-over-Deshaun-Watson-situation.jpg"></figure><h1>DeAndre Hopkins reacts to Andre Johnson bashing Texans over Deshaun Watson situation</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2021-01-12T13:59:47-08:00">January 12th, 1:59pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2021-01-12T14:01:00-08:00">January 12th, 2:01pm</time><address><a>Skyler Carlin</a></address><h3 class="op-kicker">NFL</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Andre Johnson <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/texans-news-andre-johnson-trashes-houston-deshaun-watson-trade-drama/">took to Twitter</a> to add his two cents on the drama involving Deshaun Watson, and there’s another former wide receiver of the Houston Texans who shares the same opinion.</p><p>Following Johnson’s comments on the matter, Hopkins <a href="https://twitter.com/DeAndreHopkins/status/1349090648297771011?s=20">reacted to</a> the former All-Pro bashing the Texans:</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">When Dre speak listen. <a href="https://t.co/hMdP2rsUJr" target="_blank">https://t.co/hMdP2rsUJr</a></p><p>— Deandre Hopkins (@DeAndreHopkins) <a href="https://twitter.com/DeAndreHopkins/status/1349090648297771011?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">January 12, 2021</a></p></blockquote><p></p></figure><p>During his remarkable playing career with the Texans, Johnson wasn’t someone who said much. Throughout his 12 years in Houston, Johnson led the franchise with 1,012 receptions, 13,597 yards, and 64 touchdowns.</p><p>But when Johnson did speak out on certain topics, everyone made sure they listened to what he had to say. Given that, Hopkins — who played with Johnson for two years — believes Johnson is speaking truth when it comes to Watson’s situation with the Texans.</p><p>More specifically, Hopkins is confident that Johnson is correct in his thinking of how Jack Easterby has conducted himself in recent seasons. Of course, Hopkins was traded ahead of the 2020 season to the Arizona Cardinals due to a few questionable reasons, so he understands how Houston’s front office conducts business.</p><p>For Watson, the Pro Bowl quarterback is seemingly upset with how the hiring of Nick Caserio transpired. At the same time, Watson was upset that Houston was the only team with a head coaching vacancy that had yet to schedule an interview with Eric Bieniemy — <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/texans-news-houston-attempts-assuage-deshaun-watson-by-going-after-eric-bieniemy/" rel="noopener">though they’ve now scheduled one.</a></p><p>The Texans have seemingly done everything they can to upset their franchise quarterback in recent seasons. It’s apparent Johnson and Hopkins believe Watson should do everything in his power to get out of Houston as soon as possible.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

DeAndre Hopkins reacts to Andre Johnson bashing Texans over Deshaun Watson situation

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 18px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 16px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: #0000FF;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 16px;    text-decoration: none;}ul {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 16px;}ol {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;    font-size: 16px;    border-left: 2px solid black;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 12px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;    background-color: #EFEFEF;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article><header><figure><img src="https://clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/fitz.jpg"><figcaption>CP</figcaption></figure><h1>Larry Fitzgerald retirement rumors addressed by Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2021-01-04T14:42:30-08:00">January 4th, 2:42pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2021-01-04T14:43:56-08:00">January 4th, 2:43pm</time><address><a>Michael Corvo</a></address><h3 class="op-kicker">NFL</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury briefly addressed the speculation surrounding the potential retirement of wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald.</p><p>On Monday, Kingsbury said he had discussed the topic with the veteran wideout, but he did not provide detailed insight into which way Fitzgerald is leaning.</p><p>Larry Fitzgerald’s 17th season with the Cardinals ended on Sunday after the team fell 18-7 to the Los Angeles Rams. The loss dropped Arizona to 8-8 on the season and eliminated Kingbury’s group from playoff contention.</p><p>Fitzgerald <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/cardinals-news-larry-fitzgerald-out-must-win-week-17-game-rams/" rel="noopener">did not play against L.A.</a> due to a groin injury. The future Hall of Famer also missed two games this season due to COVID-19 concerns.</p><p>In 13 games for the Cardinals, the 11-time Pro Bowler had 54 receptions for 409 yards and one touchdown—the lowest marks of his illustrious career.</p><p>Kingsbury stated that he would like to see Fitzgerald return for another season in Arizona. The star wide receiver has repeatedly stated he has not yet made a decision on his future. He will turn 38 on Aug. 31.</p><p>On Sunday, Cardinals defensive line coach Brentson Buckner <a href="https://arizonasports.com/story/2497918/larry-fitzgerald-not-retiring-as-of-now-clarifies-cardinals-dl-coach/#:~:text=Arizona%20Cardinals%20defensive%20line%20coach,after%20his%2017th%20NFL%20season.">fueled</a> retirement speculation with a since-deleted postgame tweet.</p><blockquote>“Last ride with my brother. Great player, GREATER PERSON! Thanks for the memories! @LarryFitzgerald SALUTE KING!! Canton start your clock!”</blockquote><p>A few hours later, Buckner issued a <a href="https://twitter.com/faithbeforefame/status/1345917916034678785">tweet clarifying</a> his initial post.</p><blockquote>“Larry hasn’t made up his mind,” Buckner wrote. “The tweet was supposed to say, ‘If this is your last ride, thanks for the memories.’ The full tweet didn’t go through…my bad.”</blockquote><p>Fitzgerald played this past season on a one-year, $11.5 million deal.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Larry Fitzgerald retirement rumors addressed by Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 18px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 16px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: #0000FF;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 16px;    text-decoration: none;}ul {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 16px;}ol {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;    font-size: 16px;    border-left: 2px solid black;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 12px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;    background-color: #EFEFEF;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article><header><figure><img src="https://clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/rams-news-john-wolford-upsets-cardinals-knocks-kyler-murray-from-first-playoff-spot.jpg"></figure><h1>John Wolford, Rams upset Cardinals, knocking Kyler Murray from first playoff spot</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2021-01-03T17:15:29-08:00">January 3rd, 5:15pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2021-01-03T17:15:29-08:00">January 3rd, 5:15pm</time><address><a>David Bernal</a></address><h3 class="op-kicker">NFL</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Los Angeles Rams secured a spot in the NFL playoffs thanks to a standout performance by backup quarterback John Wolford. Taking the place of an <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/rams-news-jared-goff-outlook-playing-cardinals-with-broken-thumb/">injured</a> Jared Goff, the speedy Wolford not only jumpstarted an offense that looked moribund as of late, but ensured that Kyler Murray would be denied the first postseason appearance of his young career.</p><p>With only the NFC East winner waiting to be decided, the playoff picture for the conference is nearly set. Courtesy of <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1345887601149018112">Adam Schefter of ESPN</a>, here are the likely Wild Card matchups in the NFC:</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">NFC playoff picture shaping up like this:</p><p>Bears at New Orleans.<br>Rams at Seattle.<br>Bucs at NFC East winner.</p><p>— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1345887601149018112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">January 4, 2021</a></p></blockquote><p></p></figure><p>As impressive as Wolford was throughout the day, the Rams were helped by an <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/cardinals-news-kyler-murray-limps-off-field-replaced-by-chris-streveler-vs-rams/">injury</a> to Murray early in the game’s first quarter. Driven to the ground on a sack by defensive end Morgan Fox, the quarterback was forced to the locker room after he rose from the grass noticeably limping. While backup Chris Streveler was tasked with leading the offense for much of the game, Murray eventually returned to the field at the start of the fourth quarter, delivering multiple strikes against the secondary that had Los Angeles on their back heels.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Kyler Murray is back in the game and throwing darts. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RedSea?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">#RedSea</a></p><p>📺: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AZvsLAR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">#AZvsLAR</a> on CBS<br>📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: <a href="https://t.co/fohj8JnptQ" target="_blank">https://t.co/fohj8JnptQ</a> <a href="https://t.co/f7vGMZN9Wd" target="_blank">pic.twitter.com/f7vGMZN9Wd</a></p><p>— NFL (@NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1345879176339853313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">January 3, 2021</a></p></blockquote><p></p></figure><p>Nonetheless, with Murray clearly limited in his mobility, the Rams’ defensive front was able to generate pressure and eventually sacked the passer for the second time. Unable to score again, the Cardinals were eliminated from playoff contention with the loss and <a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1345887544588828683">guaranteed</a> Chicago the seventh seed in the NFC, despite the Bears losing their own game against the Green Bay Packers.</p><p>While the Rams will almost certainly reinsert Jared Goff back into the lineup next week, Los Angeles can only hope their starter gets the job done as well as John Wilford did against the Cardinals.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

John Wolford, Rams upset Cardinals, knocking Kyler Murray from first playoff spot

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 18px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 16px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: #0000FF;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 16px;    text-decoration: none;}ul {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 16px;}ol {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;    font-size: 16px;    border-left: 2px solid black;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 12px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;    background-color: #EFEFEF;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article><header><figure><img src="https://clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/donald.jpg"><figcaption>ClutchPoints</figcaption></figure><h1>Cardinals news: Kyler Murray limps off field, replaced by Chris Streveler vs Rams</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2021-01-03T13:43:06-08:00">January 3rd, 1:43pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2021-01-03T14:18:27-08:00">January 3rd, 2:18pm</time><address><a>David Bernal</a></address><h3 class="op-kicker">NFL</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Arizona Cardinals rising star quarterback Kyler Murray <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1345846367890116611" rel="noopener">limped off the field</a> early in the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams following a sack by defensive end Morgan Fox.</p><p>With their starting QB in the locker room, the Cardinals were forced to turn to backup Chris Streveler on the following possession.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Kyler Murray limps off field and has gone to the locker room….</p><p>— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1345846367890116611?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">January 3, 2021</a></p></blockquote><p></p></figure><p>Operating out of the shotgun on a 3rd &amp; 12 play on the team’s opening drive, Kyler Murray was driven to the ground by Fox, who was able to get around Mason Cole on the offensive line in man coverage.</p><p>Fox, who normally serves further down the depth chart for the Rams, is seeing action on Sunday largely in the absence of Michael Brockers–who is <a href="https://www.northwestgeorgianews.com/associated_press/sports/michael-brockers-is-second-rams-starter-put-on-covid-19-list-this-week/article_274892b9-76f5-510a-8a93-15037eccd7b3.html">inactive</a> due to possible exposure to COVID-19.</p><p>While the extent of the injury was not initially clear, the Cardinals’ offense was allowed to return to the field quicker than expected following an interception of LA quarterback John Wolford on the very next play. With Murray being attended to, Arizona inserted Streveler into the lineup, who wasted little time making his mark, completing his first two passes and throwing a touchdown to Jonathan Ward–the first touchdown pass of his career.</p><p>Although Murray was able to return to the sideline, the quarterback was listed as “<a href="https://twitter.com/Kyle_Odegard/status/1345846769599479808?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet">questionable to return</a>,” making the match a battle of backups, with the Rams having entered the day <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/rams-news-jared-goff-outlook-playing-cardinals-with-broken-thumb/">without</a> Jared Goff.</p><p>Considering that the Cardinals need a victory to ensure their place in the NFL playoffs, the loss of Murray couldn’t have come at a worse time.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Cardinals news: Kyler Murray limps off field, replaced by Chris Streveler vs Rams

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 18px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 16px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: #0000FF;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 16px;    text-decoration: none;}ul {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 16px;}ol {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;    font-size: 16px;    border-left: 2px solid black;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 12px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;    background-color: #EFEFEF;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article><header><figure><img src="https://clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Cam-Akers-is-a-go-vs.-Cardinals.jpg"></figure><h1>Rams’ Cam Akers is a go vs. Cardinals</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2021-01-03T12:46:10-08:00">January 3rd, 12:46pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2021-01-03T12:46:10-08:00">January 3rd, 12:46pm</time><address><a>Skyler Carlin</a></address><h3 class="op-kicker">NFL</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Los Angeles Rams are going to be <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/rams-news-jared-goff-to-have-surgery-on-broken-thumb-out-for-week-17-hopes-to-play-in-nfc-wild-card-game/">without</a> some of their marquee players against the Arizona Cardinals, but they’ll get another one back on Sunday. Ahead of their crucial showdown with the Cardinals, <a href="https://twitter.com/RamsNFL/status/1345825132795863041?s=20">Cam Akers has been ruled in</a>, per the team.</p><p>While the Rams need a win against the Cardinals or a win by the Green Bay Packers to make the playoffs, they’ll be a bit shorthanded. Besides Jared Goff, Los Angeles will also be without Cooper Kupp, Darrell Henderson and then Michael Brockers on the defensive side of the ball.</p><p>However, Akers is set to make his return to the field after missing last week’s game against the Seattle Seahawks. Akers suffered a high ankle sprain in the Rams’ surprising loss to the New York Jets in Week 15.</p><p>Even though these sprains usually take a few weeks to recover from, Akers wasn’t going to allow himself to miss Sunday’s game. Before sustaining the ankle injury, Akers was beginning to find his groove for the Rams. In his past four games — including his performance against the Jets — Akers rushed for 390 yards and two touchdowns.</p><p>Seeing that Goff won’t be operating the offense, Sean McVay could lean on the rushing attack a bit more with John Wolford under center. With Akers not fully healthy and Henderson out, McVay could look to Malcolm Brown to take on a bigger load.</p><p>Both the Rams and the Cardinals are hobbled coming into Sunday’s decisive game. Even though it is unknown what his role will be, Los Angeles is going to have Akers available in the backfield in an effort to clinch a playoff spot.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Rams’ Cam Akers is a go vs. Cardinals

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 18px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 16px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: #0000FF;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 16px;    text-decoration: none;}ul {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 16px;}ol {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;    font-size: 16px;    border-left: 2px solid black;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 12px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;    background-color: #EFEFEF;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article><header><figure><img src="https://clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Larry-Fitzgerald-out-for-must-win-Week-17-game-vs.-Rams.jpg"></figure><h1>Cardinals’ Larry Fitzgerald out for must-win Week 17 game vs. Rams</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2021-01-03T12:26:56-08:00">January 3rd, 12:26pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2021-01-03T12:26:56-08:00">January 3rd, 12:26pm</time><address><a>Christopher Denson</a></address><h3 class="op-kicker">NFL</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Arizona Cardinals are set to engage in an all-out war with the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. The Cardinals are desperately attempting to secure their spot in the playoffs with a win against the Rams, which will require everyone available to elevate themselves in Week 17.</p><p>Unfortunately, the Cardinals will be without one of their top weapons, with Larry Fitzgerald r<a href="https://twitter.com/AZCardinals/status/1345821155106516992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1345821155106516992%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fclutchpoints.com%2Fwp-admin%2Fpost.php%3Fpost%3D961602action%3Dedit" rel="noopener">uled out for Sunday.</a></p><p>Fitzgerald is dealing with a groin injury <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/cardinals-news-injury-status-of-larry-fitzgerald-chase-edmonds-budda-baker-must-win-game-vs-rams/" rel="noopener">that was speculated to keep him out of commision</a> against the Rams, but no official decisions had been made coming into the latter half of the week. The 37-year-old didn’t participate in practice this week, but that was the case last week against the San Francisco 49ers as well, and Fitzgerald was able to participate.</p><p>Being without Fitzgerald draws the wideout options a little thin for the Cardinals. They’re already without Christian Kirk, who was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list. DeAndre Hopkins will be available on Sunday, though he is still dealing with a nagging hip injury that could limit his production.</p><p>Kyler Murray is another playout to closely monitor on Sunday. While he plans to play past his leg injury in a win-or-go-home situation, his level of production could be minimized against an elite Rams defense.</p><p>Running back Chase Edmonds is active.</p><p>The Cardinals dropped a critical loss to the 49ers in Week 16, which makes their situation on Sunday more dire. The Rams, meanwhile, are looking to cement their playoff berth with a win. If they do lose, they’ll be relying on the Green Bay Packers beating the Chicago Bears in order to avoid missing the playoffs.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Cardinals’ Larry Fitzgerald out for must-win Week 17 game vs. Rams

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 18px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 16px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: #0000FF;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 16px;    text-decoration: none;}ul {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 16px;}ol {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;    font-size: 16px;    border-left: 2px solid black;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 12px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;    background-color: #EFEFEF;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article><header><figure><img src="https://clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Cardinals-news-Injury-status-of-Larry-Fitzgerald-Chase-Edmonds-Budda-Baker-for-must-win-game-vs.jpg"></figure><h1>Injury status of Larry Fitzgerald, Chase Edmonds, Budda Baker for Cardinals’ must-win game vs. Rams</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2021-01-01T12:23:39-08:00">January 1st, 12:23pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2021-01-01T12:25:01-08:00">January 1st, 12:25pm</time><address><a>Marty Fenn</a></address><h3 class="op-kicker">NFL</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Arizona Cardinals have some guys feeling less than 100 percent heading into a must-win matchup with the Los Angeles Rams in Week 17.</p><p>Star safety Budda Baker is dealing with a neck issue. Veteran wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald is nursing a groin injury, and running back Chase Edmonds has been bothered by a bad hip.</p><p>However, all three stand a decent chance at playing.</p><p>Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury <a href="https://twitter.com/kfitz134/status/1345091974504751104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1345091974504751104%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fclutchpoints.com%2Fwp-admin%2Fpost.php%3Fpost%3D959865action%3Dedit" rel="noopener">said the team is “hopeful”</a> Baker will be able to play. Fitzgerald and Edmonds are listed as game-time decisions, but Kingsbury said both guys will prepare as if they are going to suit up:</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Kliff Kingsbury says Cardinals safety Budda Baker (neck) is "a little sore, but we're hopeful that he'll be able to go."<br>Game time decisions for both WR Larry Fitzgerald (groin) &amp; RB Chase Edmonds (hip): "If they're ready to roll, they'll be prepared mentally."</p><p>— katherine fitzgerald 🌵🗞 (@kfitz134) <a href="https://twitter.com/kfitz134/status/1345091974504751104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">January 1, 2021</a></p></blockquote><p></p></figure><p>Quarterback Kyler Murray had also been dealing with a lower leg injury earlier this week, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/cardinals-news-kyler-murray-claims-nothing-is-holding-him-back-from-playing-week-17/" rel="noopener">but has stated every intention of playing.</a> Murray has also looked fluid in practice.</p><p>The Cardinals would surely prefer all three of Baker, Fitz and Edmonds to take the field Sunday.</p><p>Baker continues to excel at the safety spot. He has a pair of interceptions to go along with 2.0 sacks and 113 combined tackles on the season.</p><p>Fitzgerald has not had the kind of year he might have hoped for, with 54 receptions for just 409 yards in 13 games. The future Hall of Famer also had COVID-19 earlier this year.</p><p>Edmonds has been exceptionally valuable for Arizona, especially in the passing game. He has 825 yards from scrimmage, including 51 receptions for 374 yards.</p><p>The Cardinals will hope everyone can go Sunday against a Rams team even more depleted by injuries and COVID issues. It’s win or go home for Arizona.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Injury status of Larry Fitzgerald, Chase Edmonds, Budda Baker for Cardinals’ must-win game vs. Rams

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 18px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 16px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: #0000FF;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 16px;    text-decoration: none;}ul {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 16px;}ol {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;    font-size: 16px;    border-left: 2px solid black;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 12px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;    background-color: #EFEFEF;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article><header><figure><img src="https://clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Arizona-Cardinals-4-bold-predictions-for-Week-17-vs.jpg"></figure><h1>Arizona Cardinals: 4 bold predictions for Week 17 vs. Rams</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2021-01-01T11:41:03-08:00">January 1st, 11:41am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2021-01-01T11:49:52-08:00">January 1st, 11:49am</time><address><a>Christopher Denson</a></address><h3 class="op-kicker">Editorials</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Arizona Cardinals are heading into a critical game on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams. This will be a Class A mission for the Cardinals requiring anyone healthy enough to play to be on the field come Sunday.</p><p>If the Cardinals should so happen to lose against the Rams, it ultimately ends their chances of making the playoffs. They currently own an 8-7 record, placing them at third in the NFC East behind the Rams and the Seattle Seahawks. The Rams are essentially locked into place for a playoff berth as they await their final seeding, which also depends partially on the outcome of their matchup against the Cardinals or a loss for the Chicago Bears to the Green Bay Packers.</p><figure class="op-interactive"></figure><p>Even so, the Rams won’t be at full strength with all of their options come Sunday due to some unfortunate injuries. Sunday will be the end of time for some teams, and the Cardinals will do their best to make sure they aren’t on the plane back home for good.</p><p>Here are a few bold predictions for the Cardinals-Rams bout in Week 17.</p><h2><b>1. Cardinals defense shuts down Wolford</b></h2><p>John Wolford will be getting his first look in a real-life NFL game on Sunday. While that comes as good news in a normal scenario, Week 17 happens to be the most important game for the Rams’ season at this time. Jared Goff won’t be available for action due to a <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/rams-news-jared-goff-to-have-surgery-on-broken-thumb-out-for-week-17-hopes-to-play-in-nfc-wild-card-game/">broken thumb</a> he sustained in Week 17 against the Seattle Seahawks.</p><p>While Goff has been making sure to groom Wolford for his career debut, Wolford will still be stepping into one of the most intense environments for any signal-caller. The 25-year-old has spent the last two years with the Rams, though it’s never awarded anything outside of the practice squad.</p><p>The Cardinals rank 14th in the league on defense, but they’ve proven to be exceptionally well at limiting yards thrown throughout the season by opposing quarterbacks. Given the fact that this a do-or-die game, the Cardinals won’t let Wolford start his career off with a strong showing.</p><h2><b>2. Hopkins goes all in</b></h2><p>This one is for the marbles, which means everyone is pushing all their chips in on Sunday. DeAndre Hopkins has been spectacular this season alongside Kyler Murray. The coaching staff is hoping that the same chemistry pays off once again in Week 17 when it matters the most.</p><p>Hopkins is still dealing with a hip injury he suffered in Week 16 against the San Francisco 49ers, but that won’t stop the five-time Pro-Bowler from competing at the highest level against the Rams. He hasn’t been ruled out yet, and the sign of him getting some limited action in practice is a positive.</p><p>Hopkins had a decent performance against the Rams during their first meeting in Week 13. He caught <a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202012060crd.htm">61.5 percent of his targets</a> for 52 yards while scoring a touchdown.</p><p>Knowing that there is certainly more on the line this go-around, the 28-year-old wideout will make it count for the Cardinals to have a chance at making it into the playoffs.</p><h2><b>3. Murray goes legendary</b></h2><p>Murray was almost in the same boat as Goff as both field generals deal with some troublesome injuries. However, Murray declared that his injury wasn’t serious enough to keep him out of Sunday’s epic showdown.</p><p>Murray, like so many other important pieces to the Cardinals, is dealing with a leg injury he sustained against the 49ers last week.</p><p>Be that as it may, the young quarterback won’t back down from the spotlight come Sunday. Murray will be tasked with going up against a formidable Rams’ defense, which could make things complicated as the game gets going. The Rams are a top-three defense currently, with most of their stops coming in the passing game.</p><p>Still, Murray is no pushover. He’s thrown over 240 yards in each of his last three games while completing more than 60 percent of his passes as well. His last outing against the Rams ended well as he threw for three touchdowns, though he was limited to completing only 53.9 percent of his throws.</p><p>Expect Murray to get off 265 yards while clearing three touchdowns once more on Sunday.</p><h2><b>4. Cardinals win in a tight race</b></h2><p>This contest will simply come down to who wants it more. If the Cardinals lose, their season comes to an end with ultimately nothing to show for it except the development of some of their key players.</p><p>The hope is that Larry Fitzgerald, along with Budda Baker, is cleared to participate on Sunday. Having crucial pieces like that could make the outing fairly easier. Aside from that, the Cards are coming off a funky 20-12 loss to the 49ers, and they lost their last meeting with the Rams. They’ll be out for blood as the game gets going.</p><p>The Rams being without Goff certainly will help out in the long run, but the Cardinals were bound to come out swinging regardless. When the final second runs out, Arizona will have been awarded a playoff berth.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Arizona Cardinals: 4 bold predictions for Week 17 vs. Rams

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 18px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 16px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: #0000FF;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 16px;    text-decoration: none;}ul {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 16px;}ol {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;    font-size: 16px;    border-left: 2px solid black;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 12px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;    background-color: #EFEFEF;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article><header><figure><img src="https://clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/4-bold-predictions-for-Week-17-vs.-Cardinals.jpg"></figure><h1>4 bold Rams predictions for Week 17 vs. Cardinals</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2021-01-01T10:20:08-08:00">January 1st, 10:20am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2021-01-01T11:21:58-08:00">January 1st, 11:21am</time><address><a>Immanuel Canicosa</a></address><h3 class="op-kicker">Editorials</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Los Angeles Rams were almost a lock to make the playoffs and had a chance to win the NFC West two weeks ago, but a stunning loss to the previously winless New York Jets and a 20-9 defeat to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 16 not only put the division title out of reach, but also diminished their chances of returning to the postseason.</p><p>Despite the two-game skid, the Rams still have a good chance of making the playoffs, and <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/upshot/los-angeles-rams-nfl-playoff-picture.html">The New York Times</a> gives them an 83% chance heading into their Week 17 game against the Arizona Cardinals. Los Angeles can punch a playoff ticket with a win over Arizona, but the Rams can still qualify even if they lose as long as the Green Bay Packers beat the Chicago Bears.</p><figure class="op-interactive"></figure><p>A loss by the Cardinals, meanwhile, would mean an early end to their season, so Kyler Murray, DeAndre Hopkins, and the rest of their teammates are expected to go all out against the Rams. The teams previously met in Week 13, with the Rams winning, 38-28, and they have dominated the Cardinals since Sean McVay became the team’s head coach, <a href="https://www.footballdb.com/teams/nfl/arizona-cardinals/teamvsteam?opp=29">winning their last seven meetings</a>.</p><p>However, Los Angeles stumbles into Week 17 game without Jared Goff, Cooper Kupp, Darrell Henderson, and perhaps Cam Akers, which makes their matchup against the Cardinals more difficult. Here are four predictions when the Rams welcome the Cardinals to SoFi Stadium.</p><h2><b>1. John Wolford does well in his first start</b></h2><p>With Goff out against the Cardinals with a broken thumb, the Rams will rely on backup John Wolford, who is set to make his NFL debut on Sunday. Wolford, a Wake Forest product, went undrafted in 2018 and signed with the New York Jets before being cut and playing in the AAF. He was signed by the Rams last year. McVay, for one, can’t wait for the 25-year-old signal-caller to play on Sunday:</p><blockquote>“I think anybody who’s been around John Wolford, this guy – I mean, if you don’t like him, then something is probably wrong with you,” McVay said, via <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/preview?gameId=401220344">ESPN</a>. “John has been waiting on this day. He’s been preparing for this day. We just want him to go out, be comfortable and be John.”</blockquote><p>Wolford may be a newcomer, but he has shown in the <a href="https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2020/12/31/rams-john-wolford-highlights-scrimmage/">team’s scrimmages over the summer</a> that he can not only pass, but is also mobile and can make plays with his legs. Granted, this all happened in scrimmages, but these glimpses of potential and McVay’s excitement about using him against the Cardinals should offer encouraging signs for a shorthanded Rams offense. Wolford may not play as well as Goff does when at his best, but it also wouldn’t be surprising to see him do a respectable job in his first start.</p><h2><b>2. The other wide receivers step up</b></h2><p>Without Kupp, the Rams’ other receivers will have to step up. Kupp has 92 receptions for 974 receiving yards and three touchdowns, but wide receiver Robert Woods isn’t far behind with 86 receptions, 900 receiving yards, and a team-high six touchdowns.</p><p>Other receivers capable of stepping up are Josh Reynolds and Van Jefferson, along with tight ends Gerald Everett and Tyler Higbee. Losing Kupp and potentially two of their top running backs is tough, but Woods, Reynolds, Jefferson, and their tight ends are more than capable of filling in.</p><h2><b>3. The Rams pressure and sack Kyler Murray three times</b></h2><p>The Rams will also miss a key defensive player in Michael Brockers, who has been placed on the team’s reserve/COVID-19 list. This comes at a time when Los Angeles will rely more than usual on defense, especially in the absence of some of their top options on offense.</p><p>Murray suffered a leg injury in the Cardinals’ 20-12 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 16, but should be <a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/cardinals-qb-kyler-murray-expects-to-play-sunday-vs-rams">available to play against the Rams</a> with their postseason chances on the line. The Rams — tops in the NFL in total yards allowed, yards allowed per game, and passing yards allowed per game — will have their hands full against the 23-year-old quarterback.</p><p>Despite back-to-back losses to the Jets and Seahawks, the team’s defense has remained stout, especially with Pro Bowlers Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey expected to be there to disrupt the Cardinals’ offense. Los Angeles ranks second in the league in sacks with 49 and has <a href="https://theramswire.usatoday.com/lists/rams-cardinals-stats-facts-to-know-week-17/">five games this season with at least five sacks</a>, including against Russell Wilson and the Seahawks in Week 16.</p><p>Donald, the two-time Defensive Player of the Year, ranks second in the league in total sacks with 13.5, and he should be able to get to Murray along with the Rams’ other pass rushers as they have against most of the quarterbacks they’ve faced this season.</p><h2><b>4. The shorthanded Rams pick up a win to return to the playoffs</b></h2><p>Even if they aren’t yet assured of a spot in the playoffs, there’s no doubt the Cardinals face more pressure than the Rams when they face off on Sunday. That isn’t to say that Los Angeles won’t treat the game as a must-win and just hope that Aaron Rodgers continues to flash his MVP form against the Bears to give them a free ride to the postseason.</p><p>McVay and his players also know that this game is their most important of the season and will do their best to overcome the absence of some of their top players, especially on offense. Wolford, in particular, will be under the spotlight, since it is the first time in the Super Bowl era that a team will use a quarterback making his first start in a game this late in a season with a chance to make the playoffs, <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNStatsInfo/status/1344738397475254274">per ESPN Stats and Info</a>.</p><p>It will take a lot for the Rams’ shorthanded offense to keep in step with the Cardinals, so it is important for L.A.’s top-ranked defense to play well. Doing that will give the Rams a chance to win to finish the season at 10-6 and return to the playoffs.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

4 bold Rams predictions for Week 17 vs. Cardinals

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 18px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 16px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: #0000FF;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 16px;    text-decoration: none;}ul {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 16px;}ol {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;    font-size: 16px;    border-left: 2px solid black;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 12px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;    background-color: #EFEFEF;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article><header><figure><img src="https://clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Cardinals-news-Kyler-Murray-claims-nothing-is-holding-him-back-from-playing-in-Week-17-Thumbnail.jpg"></figure><h1>Cardinals’ Kyler Murray claims nothing is holding him back from playing in Week 17</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2020-12-30T11:45:37-08:00">December 30th, 11:45am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2020-12-30T11:45:37-08:00">December 30th, 11:45am</time><address><a>Marty Fenn</a></address><h3 class="op-kicker">NFL</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is playing in Sunday’s must-win regular-season finale against the Los Angeles Rams. Just ask him.</p><p>Murray <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/cardinals-news-kyler-murray-leg-helped-off-field-late-in-loss-to-49ers/" rel="noopener">sustained a lower leg injury</a> on his final pass attempt of this past weekend’s loss to the San Francisco 49ers. The extent of the injury is somewhat unknown, which would seem to lend skepticism with respect to Murray’s status ahead of Week 17.</p><p>However, the reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year said Wednesday he has absolutely no intention of sitting on the bench against the Rams:</p><blockquote>“There’s no holding back… my leg… I’ll be fine,” Murray said, via <a href="https://twitter.com/OmarDRuiz/status/1344354045171929088">Omar Ruiz</a> of NFL Network.</blockquote><p>The Cardinals control their own destiny on Sunday.</p><p>A win would assure Arizona a playoff spot, regardless of what happens between the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers. The Cardinals own a tiebreaker over the Rams, who will be without Jared Goff and Cooper Kupp on Sunday.</p><p>However, a loss would sink Arizona, given the Bears hold a tiebreaker over the Cardinals based on winning percentage against common opponents.</p><p>Murray is willing to lay it all on the line in pursuit of a playoff berth.</p><p>The 2019 No. 1 pick was on a historic pace earlier in the season, but has produced more inconsistent results as of late. In fact, Arizona has seemed to live-or-die with Murray’s results.</p><p>Murray has not recorded a quarterback rating of 80.4 in the team’s last three losses. But he has had a rating of at least 97.8 in the last two wins, including a 127.8 rating in a Week 15 win over the Philadelphia Eagles.</p><p>Los Angeles harassed Murray to no end the last time the two teams met. Murray was only sacked twice, but he faced constant pressure and completed just over 53 percent of his pass attempts.</p><p>The Cardinals will need a banged-up Murray to have a better outing this time around as he tries to get Arizona to the playoffs.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Cardinals’ Kyler Murray claims nothing is holding him back from playing in Week 17

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 18px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 16px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: #0000FF;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 16px;    text-decoration: none;}ul {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 16px;}ol {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;    font-size: 16px;    border-left: 2px solid black;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 12px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;    background-color: #EFEFEF;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article><header><figure><img src="https://clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Cooper-Kupp-signing-3-year-extension-with-Los-Angeles.jpg"></figure><h1>Cooper Kupp out vs. Cardinals due to positive COVID-19 test</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2020-12-30T09:31:48-08:00">December 30th, 9:31am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2020-12-30T09:32:08-08:00">December 30th, 9:32am</time><address><a>Jeremy Chua</a></address><h3 class="op-kicker">NFL</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Los Angeles Rams will be without wide receiver Cooper Kupp as they face the Arizona Cardinals for their final game of the season due to a positive COVID-19 case, per <a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1344322520602845189">NFL Network</a>‘s Ian Rapoport. He will be joining quarterback Jared Goff on the sidelines who was also recently ruled out for Week 17 due to a thumb injury.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rams?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">#Rams</a> WR Cooper Kupp was placed on the COVID-19 reserve list because of a positive test and he’s out for Sunday, source said. So, no Jared Goff and no Cooper Kupp vs. the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AZCardinals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">#AZCardinals</a>.</p><p>— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1344322520602845189?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">December 30, 2020</a></p></blockquote><p></p></figure><p>Goff hurt his thumb midway through their Week 16 tilt against the Seattle Seahawks which diminished his production under center and was only forced to throw 234 yards on 24-of-43 passes completed along with an interception and three sacks.</p><p>Despite his struggles due to the injury, Kupp still managed to contribute 66 receiving yards on eight receptions but failed to score a touchdown for the team. Fellow pass-catcher Josh Reynolds also added 65 yards on six touches as the Rams fell to the Seahawks on a 20-9 defeat.</p><p>The Los Angeles-based squad’s 9-6 record currently accounts for the sixth seed in the NFC Bracket. Snagging a win against the Cardinals in Week 17 would help them improve their position as they closely trail behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who are holding a 10-5 record with the fifth seed in the NFC playoff picture.</p><p>However, getting on the field without Goff and Kupp <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/vikings-news-dalvin-cooks-monster-season-is-over-after-fathers-death/" rel="noopener">against a desperate</a> Cardinals squad would be tough for the Rams to pull off. Their opponents are raring for a win as they are still on the outside looking in and haven’t secured a playoff seat with their 8-7 record.</p><p>With the absence of two of their top players, the Rams are certainly facing a tall task against Kyler Murray and the Cardinals for their final game of the regular season.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Cooper Kupp out vs. Cardinals due to positive COVID-19 test

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 18px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 16px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: #0000FF;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 16px;    text-decoration: none;}ul {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 16px;}ol {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;    font-size: 16px;    border-left: 2px solid black;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 12px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;    background-color: #EFEFEF;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article><header><figure><img src="https://clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Rams-news-Cooper-Kupp-placed-on-reserve-COVID-19-list-ahead-of-Week-17-showdown-vs.jpg"></figure><h1>Cooper Kupp placed on reserve/COVID-19 list ahead of Rams’ Week 17 showdown vs. Cardinals</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2020-12-29T13:37:58-08:00">December 29th, 1:37pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2020-12-29T13:37:58-08:00">December 29th, 1:37pm</time><address><a>Marty Fenn</a></address><h3 class="op-kicker">NFL</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Los Angeles Rams are already <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/rams-news-jared-goff-to-have-surgery-on-broken-thumb-out-for-week-17-hopes-to-play-in-nfc-wild-card-game/">without starting quarterback</a> Jared Goff ahead of a must-win Week 17 matchup with the Arizona Cardinals.</p><p>Now, the Rams may be without one of their top offensive weapons.</p><p>Los Angeles announced a series of roster moves Tuesday, including wide receiver Cooper Kupp being placed on the <a href="https://twitter.com/RamsNFL/status/1344025602458701824">reserve/COVID-19 list</a>. Running back Darrell Henderson was also placed on Injured Reserve.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LARams?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">#LARams</a> transactions:<br>• signed QB Blake Bortles<br>• activated OT Bobby Evans from reserve<br>• placed RB Darrell Henderson on IR<br>• placed WR Cooer Kupp on reserve/COVID-19 list<br>• waived DB Dee Virgin from the practice squad</p><p>— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/RamsNFL/status/1344025602458701824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">December 29, 2020</a></p></blockquote><p></p></figure><p>The timing of these moves could not possibly be worse.</p><p>Los Angeles is still fighting for a playoff spot heading into the regular season finale. A win would clinch the Rams earning a Wild Card in the NFC. But a loss could mean L.A. misses the playoffs if the Chicago Bears defeat the Green Bay Packers.</p><p>The Rams were already at a deficit without Goff under center. He still offers the steadiness of a starting option despite poor play in recent weeks. But Goff’s absence looms even larger if Kupp cannot play, given backup quarterback John Wolford will be without a top pass-catching option.</p><p>Kupp racked up 92 receptions for 974 yards through the first 15 games and was on the verge of his second straight 1,000-yard season. The 27-year-old also would have played an important role against a questionable Cardinals secondary.</p><p>Instead, it is the Rams who face questions as they face a desperate Cardinals team in control of their own destiny. A loss ends Arizona’s season, while a win assuredly grants them a spot.</p><p>It remains to be seen whether Kupp has contracted coronavirus or is merely a close contact. The latter might still give him a chance to play if there are no further setbacks.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Cooper Kupp placed on reserve/COVID-19 list ahead of Rams’ Week 17 showdown vs. Cardinals

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 18px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 16px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: #0000FF;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 16px;    text-decoration: none;}ul {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 16px;}ol {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;    font-size: 16px;    border-left: 2px solid black;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 12px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;    background-color: #EFEFEF;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article><header><figure><img src="https://clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/wolford.jpg"><figcaption>CP</figcaption></figure><h1>Rams QB John Wolford set to make history in first career start vs. Cardinals</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2020-12-28T16:58:37-08:00">December 28th, 4:58pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2020-12-28T16:58:37-08:00">December 28th, 4:58pm</time><address><a>Skyler Carlin</a></address><h3 class="op-kicker">NFL</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Jared Goff <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/rams-news-jared-goff-to-have-surgery-on-broken-thumb-out-for-week-17-hopes-to-play-in-nfc-wild-card-game/" rel="noopener">underwent surgery</a> on his broken thumb on Monday, making it unlikely that he will suit up for the Los Angeles Rams in their pivotal Week 17 matchup with the Arizona Cardinals. With Goff out, John Wolford is set to make his first career start in historic fashion, per <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1343713047211343872" rel="noopener">ESPN’s Adam Schefter</a>.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">John Wolford would be first QB to make his first start for a team in Week 17 with a playoff berth on the line since Kyle Orton for the 2013 Cowboys, per <a href="https://twitter.com/EpKap?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">@EpKap</a>. <a href="https://t.co/pMZx6VdmCI" target="_blank">https://t.co/pMZx6VdmCI</a></p><p>— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1343713047211343872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">December 29, 2020</a></p></blockquote><p></p></figure><p>During Sunday’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks, Goff hit his hand on a helmet while throwing a pass. The former No. 1 overall pick remained in the game despite having a tough time gripping the football and having to pop his thumb back into place.</p><p>Following the game, the Rams feared that Goff suffered a broken thumb, putting his <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/rams-news-jared-goff-outlook-playing-cardinals-with-broken-thumb/">status</a> for Week 17 in doubt. And after undergoing more tests and getting opinions from doctors on Monday, Goff was in fact discovered to have a broken thumb and eventually underwent surgery–giving him a chance to return to the postseason.</p><p>However, it will be up to John Wolford to ensure that the Rams are playing meaningful games beyond Week 17.</p><p>Wolford had a semi-successful collegiate career at Wake Forest, throwing for 8,794 yards and 59 touchdowns in his four seasons. He also rushed for 19 touchdowns in his four years in college, bringing a dynamic to the Rams that Goff hasn’t.</p><p>Of course, fans should temper expectations on a quarterback that only saw success in the AAF. But with the Rams needing a win —or a loss from the Chicago Bears—to make the playoffs, it will be interesting to see what Sean McVay’s offense looks like with Wolford operating it.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Rams QB John Wolford set to make history in first career start vs. Cardinals

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 18px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 16px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: #0000FF;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 16px;    text-decoration: none;}ul {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 16px;}ol {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;    font-size: 16px;    border-left: 2px solid black;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 12px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;    background-color: #EFEFEF;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article><header><figure><img src="https://clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Cardinals-news-Arizona-_hopeful_-Kyler-Murray-can-play-in-huge-Week-17-game-vs.jpg"></figure><h1>Cardinals ‘hopeful’ that Kyler Murray can play in huge Week 17 game vs. Rams</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2020-12-28T11:53:47-08:00">December 28th, 11:53am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2020-12-28T11:53:47-08:00">December 28th, 11:53am</time><address><a>Marty Fenn</a></address><h3 class="op-kicker">NFL</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/sports/nfl/arizona-cardinals">Arizona Cardinals</a> are on the fringes after losing their Week 16 matchup with the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. Now, they face a must-win in Week 17.</p><p>Whether the Cardinals have their starting quarterback for that must-win is unknown.</p><p>Kyler Murray got dinged up on the final play of Sunday’s game. He reportedly avoided a serious setback, though Arizona has been somewhat hush-hush as to the extent of the injury. Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury merely stated it was a “lower leg injury,” per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Cardinals’ HC Kliff Kingsbury said Kyler Murray has a “lower leg injury” and his status for Sunday’s game vs. Rams is uncertain.</p><p>— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1343641834644516865?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">December 28, 2020</a></p></blockquote><p></p></figure><p>Still, Kingsbury said he was “<a href="https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/12/28/kliff-kingsbury-hopeful-kyler-murray-can-play-this-week/">hopeful</a>” Murray would be available for the regular season finale against the Los Angeles Rams.</p><p>Arizona’s loss Sunday dropped the Cardinals out of the playoff picture in the NFC, with the Bears holding the tiebreaker based on win percentage in common games. However, Arizona is far from out.</p><p>The winner of this weekend’s game will assuredly have a spot in the playoffs. A win for the Rams would assure L.A. a spot based on record, while a loss could eliminate the Rams if the Chicago Bears Bears defeat the Green Bay Packers.</p><p>Meanwhile, a win for the Cardinals would give them the division record tiebreaker over L.A., guaranteeing them a spot. A loss would obviously eliminate Arizona considering Chicago owns the tiebreaker.</p><p>The Cardinals lost their Week 13 showdown with the Rams after Murray and Co. generated just 232 yards of total offense.</p><p>Will the 2019 No. 1 overall pick have his shot at redemption? It remains to be seen, though Arizona would far prefer to have Murray on the field in this must-win game. Interestingly, Rams quarterback Jared Goff’s status is also unknown, adding to the intrigue.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Cardinals ‘hopeful’ that Kyler Murray can play in huge Week 17 game vs. Rams

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 18px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 16px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: #0000FF;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 16px;    text-decoration: none;}ul {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 16px;}ol {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;    font-size: 16px;    border-left: 2px solid black;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 12px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;    background-color: #EFEFEF;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article><header><figure><img src="https://clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/rams-news-jared-goffs-outlook-on-playing-vs-cardinals-with-broken-thumb.jpg"></figure><h1>Report: Rams QB Jared Goff’s outlook on playing vs. Cardinals with broken thumb</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2020-12-28T06:03:40-08:00">December 28th, 6:03am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2020-12-28T06:03:40-08:00">December 28th, 6:03am</time><address><a>Jeremy Chua</a></address><h3 class="op-kicker">NFL</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Los Angeles Rams find themselves in a shaky situation after quarterback Jared Goff <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/rams-news-jared-goff-broken-thumb-in-doubt-for-big-week-17-game-vs-cardinals/" rel="noopener">sustained a broken and dislocated thumb</a> in their ugly Week 16 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Despite the injury, the two-time Pro Bowler can put off surgery until the end of the season, and he really wants to play in Week 17 against the Arizona Cardinals, per <a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1343511511331848194">NFL Network</a>‘s Ian Rapoport.</p><p>Goff visibly struggled in Sunday’s 20-9 defeat, and suffering the thumb injury in the third quarter didn’t help matters. The Rams quarterback completed just 23 out of 34 pass attempts for 234 yards. He didn’t throw a single touchdown and tossed an interception. Wide receiver Cooper Kupp was limited to 66 receiving yards on eight receptions, while fellow wideout Josh Reynolds followed with 65 yards on six catches of his own.</p><p>Opposing quarterback Russell Wilson and the Seahawks eventually took advantage of Goff’s apparent thumb injury and handled the business on their side of the field. Coupled with an effective defense, especially in the fourth quarter, the Seahawks ultimately ran away with the victory to snag the NFC West title for the first time since 2016.</p><p>The Rams dropped to 9-6 on the season with their second consecutive loss, and their spot in the playoffs is anything but secure. A loss to the Cardinals and a Chicago Bears upset victory over the Green Bay Packers would knock Los Angeles out of the playoffs. The idea of the Rams missing the playoffs seemed absolutely crazy two weeks ago when they entered their Week 15 game against the New York Jets with a 9-4 record, but now it’s a legitimate possibility.</p><p>Goff is hoping to play and help Los Angeles avoid this disaster scenario. If he can’t, though, the only backup quarterback currently on the roster is John Wolford, who has never appeared in a regular-season game in the NFL after going undrafted out of Wake Forest in 2018.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Report: Rams QB Jared Goff’s outlook on playing vs. Cardinals with broken thumb

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 18px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 16px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: #0000FF;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 16px;    text-decoration: none;}ul {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 16px;}ol {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;    font-size: 16px;    border-left: 2px solid black;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 12px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;    background-color: #EFEFEF;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article><header><figure><img src="https://clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Rams-news-Jared-Goff-thumb-status-in-doubt-for-big-Week-17-game-vs-Cardinals.jpg"><figcaption>ClutchPoints</figcaption></figure><h1>Rams’ Jared Goff (broken thumb) in doubt for big Week 17 game vs Cardinals</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2020-12-27T17:52:44-08:00">December 27th, 5:52pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2020-12-27T18:03:13-08:00">December 27th, 6:03pm</time><address><a>ClutchPoints</a></address><h3 class="op-kicker">NFL</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Jared Goff of the Los Angeles Rams suffered a broken thumb in a <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/rams-news-todd-gurley-reacts-to-tom-brady-leaving-patriots-for-buccaneers/">Week 16 loss</a> to the Seattle Seahawks. His status for Week 17 against the Arizona Cardinals is in significant doubt, <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1343371521700585472">according to team officials.</a></p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rams are uncertain if Jared Goff will be able to play in next week’s regular-season finale after he inured his right thumb during today’s loss to Seattle, per sources. Goff will undergo further testing after Rams return to LA. But there are concerns about his thumb’s condition.</p><p>— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1343371521700585472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">December 28, 2020</a></p></blockquote><p></p></figure><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Jared Goff's right thumb is broken, <a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">@RapSheet</a> and I have learned</p><p>— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeSilver/status/1343371563400237056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">December 28, 2020</a></p></blockquote><p></p></figure><p>The Rams’ backup quarterback is John Wolford, who might be asked to beat Kyler Murray and the Cardinals in Week 17. The Cardinals had an advantageous playoff position entering Week 16, but they squandered it with a 20-12 loss to the San Francisco 49ers this past Saturday. The Cardinals won’t just be facing a division rival next Sunday in Los Angeles; they will be fighting for the seventh and final playoff spot in the NFC with one team outside the NFC West.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">FOX slo mo'd Jared Goff popping his dislocated thumb back into place… <a href="https://t.co/GIyBBvXr71" target="_blank">pic.twitter.com/GIyBBvXr71</a></p><p>— Ozzy the Gagmeister 11-3 💚💛 (@Thats_Pantastic) <a href="https://twitter.com/Thats_Pantastic/status/1343344753459531783?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">December 27, 2020</a></p></blockquote><p></p></figure><p>Rams-Cardinals will carry playoff implications for at least one team, if not both. If the Chicago Bears lose to the Green Bay Packers in Week 17, they will need the Rams to beat the Cardinals in order to make the playoffs.</p><p>Jared Goff has struggled for much of the season, and he played poorly in the loss to the Seahawks. The Rams’ 20-9 defeat gave Seattle the NFC West Division title, meaning that the Rams can get nothing higher than the No. 5 seed in the NFC postseason.</p><p>If the Tampa Bay Buccaneers win their Week 17 game, the Rams will not be able to get anything more than the No. 6 seed in the NFC. Many will point to Goff’s subpar play as a reason for Sean McVay to not panic entering Week 17. Yet, for all of Goff’s struggles, it is hard to make the argument that Los Angeles is in a better position with John Wolford than with Goff against an opponent which will be playing for playoff survival on January 3.</p><p>The Chicago Bears have to view this development as a reminder that they can’t expect the Rams to take care of the Cardinals and sew up a playoff berth for them.</p><p>A new update on Goff’s condition:</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Jared Goff’s thumb was dislocated on the field, the team fears it is broken, and he will have more testing in LA on Monday – and Rams still don’t know if he can play next week vs. Arizona. They expect to know more in 48-72 hours. <a href="https://t.co/5aTf5QZkTK" target="_blank">https://t.co/5aTf5QZkTK</a></p><p>— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1343373501588189190?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">December 28, 2020</a></p></blockquote><p></p></figure><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Rams’ Jared Goff (broken thumb) in doubt for big Week 17 game vs Cardinals

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 18px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 16px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: #0000FF;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 16px;    text-decoration: none;}ul {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 16px;}ol {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;    font-size: 16px;    border-left: 2px solid black;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 12px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;    background-color: #EFEFEF;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article><header><figure><img src="https://clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Cardinals-news-Kyler-Murray-shuts-down-idea-shoulder-injury-impacted-approach-in-dud-vs.jpg"></figure><h1>Cardinals’ Kyler Murray (leg) helped off field late in loss to 49ers</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2020-12-26T16:36:14-08:00">December 26th, 4:36pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2020-12-26T17:16:28-08:00">December 26th, 5:16pm</time><address><a>Michael Corvo</a></address><h3 class="op-kicker">NFL</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray, grimacing and in considerable pain, was helped off the field in the final seconds of a loss to the San Francisco 49ers.</p><p>Initial information is scarce, but Kyler Murray was grabbing at his calf and leg. Where and how he was precisely injured — and the severity of the injury — should be revealed <a href="https://twitter.com/joshweinfuss/status/1342990775353827329">later on Saturday evening.</a></p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Kyler Murray having his right leg/calf/knee looked at.</p><p>— Josh Weinfuss (@joshweinfuss) <a href="https://twitter.com/joshweinfuss/status/1342990775353827329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">December 27, 2020</a></p></blockquote><p></p></figure><p>On a failed fourth-down attempt with under 20 seconds remaining, Murray was (legally) hit hard by Niners defensive lineman Alex Barrett, sending the 23-year old Cardinals quarterback to the ground.</p><p>Murray remained on the turf for a few minutes before being helped off the field by Cardinals trainers with an apparent lower leg injury. It was unclear from the video at precisely what moment the possible injury occurred.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Kyler Murray goes down. Not sure what happened but here ya go. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cardinals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">#cardinals</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/49ers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">#49ers</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NFL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">#NFL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NFLonPrime?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">#NFLonPrime</a> <a href="https://t.co/oTMjtgLWqo" target="_blank">pic.twitter.com/oTMjtgLWqo</a></p><p>— Sean (@SeanPTF) <a href="https://twitter.com/SeanPTF/status/1342990975371771910?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">December 27, 2020</a></p></blockquote><p></p></figure><p>The final play was the cherry on top of a day to forget for Murray and the Cardinals. The Arizona offense never found a rhythm, averaging just 4.4 yards per play in the loss.</p><p>Murray completed 31 of 50 passes for 247 yards (4.9 yards per completion), accounting for zero TDs and an interception. Cardinals receivers didn’t help him out, either, with a handful of key drops. He also ran for 75 yards on eight carries.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Somthing is wrong with Kyler Murray <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cardinals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">#cardinals</a>  <a href="https://t.co/XVYg0vYvTL" target="_blank">pic.twitter.com/XVYg0vYvTL</a></p><p>— New York Sports Fan (@nysportsfan103) <a href="https://twitter.com/nysportsfan103/status/1342986662809391104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">December 27, 2020</a></p></blockquote><p></p></figure><p>The Cardinals had a chance to clinch a playoff berth on Saturday, but instead fell to 8-7 after the loss. The depleted San Francisco 49ers played admirably hard for Kyle Shananan, improving to 6-9 on the season.</p><p>Murray has thrown 26 touchdowns against 11 interceptions in his sophomore campaign, along with 11 rushing TDs. The 2019 No. 1 overall pick has increased his QB rating by about 10 points since his rookie year.</p><p>The Cardinals will face NFC West rival Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium in Week 17. If the Chicago Bears beat the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, the Cardinals will need a win over the Rams and a Chicago loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 17 to make the playoffs.</p><p>UPDATE:</p><p>Roughly 45 minutes after the Cardinals’ game ended, this report came in:</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AZCardinals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">#AZCardinals</a> QB Kyler Murray should be OK, source said. He got leg-whipped at the end of the game and is getting checked out. But at first glance, it doesn’t seem serious.</p><p>— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1343002116852502529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">December 27, 2020</a></p></blockquote><p></p></figure><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Cardinals’ Kyler Murray (leg) helped off field late in loss to 49ers

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 18px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 16px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: #0000FF;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 16px;    text-decoration: none;}ul {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 16px;}ol {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;    font-size: 16px;    border-left: 2px solid black;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 12px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;    background-color: #EFEFEF;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article><header><figure><img src="https://clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/cardinals-1.jpg"></figure><h1>49ers-Cardinals Week 16, 2020: Game Time, Schedule, TV Channel, and Live Stream</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2020-12-26T08:12:04-08:00">December 26th, 8:12am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2020-12-26T08:12:04-08:00">December 26th, 8:12am</time><address><a>ClutchPoints</a></address><h3 class="op-kicker">NFL Game Time</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The San Francisco 49ers (5-9) battle with the Arizona Cardinals (8-6) at State Farm Stadium in Week 16 of the 2020 NFL Season.</p><p><b>Game Time:</b> 4:30PM EST/1:30PM PST on Saturday, December 26th</p><p><b>TV:</b> Amazon Prime Video</p><p><b>Betting Odds:</b> <a href="https://www.oddsshark.com/nfl/odds" rel="noopener noreferrer">NFL Odds</a></p><p><b>49ers Injured Players:</b></p><ul><li>Richard Sherman (Out – Calf): Did Not Participate In Practice</li><li>Hroniss Grasu (Questionable – Knee): Limited Participation in Practice</li><li>Emmanuel Moseley (Questionable – Hamstring): Full Participation in Practice</li><li>Jimmie Ward (Out – Concussion): Did Not Participate In Practice</li><li>Richie James Jr. ( – Ankle): Full Participation in Practice</li><li>Deebo Samuel (Out – Hamstring): Did Not Participate In Practice</li><li>Dion Jordan (Doubtful – Knee): Did Not Participate In Practice</li><li>Raheem Mostert (Out – Ankle): Did Not Participate In Practice</li><li>Javon Kinlaw (Questionable – Knee): Limited Participation in Practice</li><li>Jason Verrett ( – Illness): Full Participation in Practice</li><li>Nick Mullens (Out – Right Elbow): Did Not Participate In Practice</li><li>Tarvarius Moore (Questionable – Knee): Full Participation in Practice</li></ul><p><b>Cardinals Injured Players:</b></p><ul><li>Dre Kirkpatrick (Questionable – Hamstring): Did Not Participate In Practice</li><li>Chase Edmonds (Questionable – Ankle): Limited Participation in Practice</li><li>Kylie Fitts (Questionable – Hamstring): Limited Participation in Practice</li><li>Jalen Thompson (Questionable – Ankle): Limited Participation in Practice</li><li>Mason Cole ( – Not Injury Related): Did Not Participate In Practice</li><li>Dan Arnold (Questionable – Back): Limited Participation in Practice</li><li>Justin Pugh (Questionable – Calf): Limited Participation in Practice</li><li>Darrell Daniels (Questionable – Hamstring): Limited Participation in Practice</li><li>Haason Reddick (Questionable – Shoulder): Limited Participation in Practice</li><li>DeAndre Hopkins ( – Not Injury Related): Full Participation in Practice</li><li>Dennis Gardeck (Out – Knee): Did Not Participate In Practice</li><li>Maxx Williams (Questionable – Ankle): Did Not Participate In Practice</li><li>Larry Fitzgerald (Questionable – Groin): Limited Participation in Practice</li><li>Domata Peko Sr. ( – Not Injury Related): Full Participation in Practice</li></ul><p><b>Follow us on Twitter</b> at <a href="https://twitter.com/CpNiners" rel="noopener noreferrer">@CpNiners</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/CardsNationCP" rel="noopener noreferrer">@CardsNationCP</a>.</p><p><b>Follow us on Facebook</b> at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheNinerEmpire" rel="noopener noreferrer">San Francisco 49ers</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ArizonaCardinalNation/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Arizona Cardinals</a>.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

49ers-Cardinals Week 16, 2020: Game Time, Schedule, TV Channel, and Live Stream

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 18px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 16px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: #0000FF;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 16px;    text-decoration: none;}ul {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 16px;}ol {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;    font-size: 16px;    border-left: 2px solid black;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 12px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;    background-color: #EFEFEF;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article><header><figure><img src="https://clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/George-Kittle-officially-back-vs.jpg"></figure><h1>49ers TE George Kittle officially back vs. Cardinals after 8-week absence</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2020-12-24T13:57:24-08:00">December 24th, 1:57pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2020-12-24T13:57:24-08:00">December 24th, 1:57pm</time><address><a href="https://theknickswall.com">Reid Goldsmith</a>Managing Editor, The Knicks Wall. Cornell University grad, writer and editor.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NFL</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The San Francisco 49ers are activating star tight end George Kittle for the Bay Area club’s Week 16 matchup with NFC West rival Arizona Cardinals, per <a href="https://twitter.com/OmarDRuiz/status/1342222307679371264">Omar Ruiz of NFL Network</a>.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/49ers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">#49ers</a> Star TE George Kittle WILL play Saturday vs Cardinals, Kyle Shanahan said in his zoom press conference. Said he felt “great” and that he’ll be on somewhat of a pitch count. Shanahan said Kittle is one of the healthiest players they have.</p><p>— Omar Ruiz (@OmarDRuiz) <a href="https://twitter.com/OmarDRuiz/status/1342222307679371264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">December 24, 2020</a></p></blockquote><p></p></figure><p>Kittle, 27, last appeared for the 49ers in Week 8; since then the Iowa product has been nursing a broken bone in his foot. The two-time Pro Bowl tight end is coming off a 2019 season where he <a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/K/KittGe00.htm">recorded</a> 85 receptions for over 1,000 receiving yards, totaling five touchdowns in 14 regular-season games prior to the 49ers’ 2019-20 NFL postseason run, leading to a Super Bowl LIV defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs.</p><p>The 49ers have been severely depleted throughout the 2020 campaign, with franchise quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo likely shelved for the remainder of the season with a high-ankle sprain. He hasn’t appeared under center for the Niners since Week 8 as well.</p><p>San Francisco has been eliminated from playoff contention; however, Kyler Murray and the Cardinals are still fighting for their postseason lives. At 8-6, Arizona is currently positioned in the seventh and final seed in the NFC playoff picture. Additionally, the NFC West Los Angeles Rams are one game better than the Cardinals. The 49ers can play spoilers to the Cards this weekend.</p><p>Kittle’s return for the 49ers was <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/49ers-news-the-reason-jimmy-garoppolo-is-likely-done-for-the-season-but-george-kittle-may-not-be/">hinted at four days ago</a> when he returned to practice. Since then, head coach Kyle Shanahan has said Kittle feels “great,” per Ruiz.</p><p>Kittle signed a <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/niners-news-george-kittle-reaches-5-year-75-million-extension/">five-year, $75 million contract extension</a> with the 49ers in the offseason. Clearly, his health and well-being are top priorities not just for the 2020 campaign, which will yield no postseason, but going forward in the Bay Area.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

49ers TE George Kittle officially back vs. Cardinals after 8-week absence

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 18px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px;    font-size: 16px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: #0000FF;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 16px;    text-decoration: none;}ul {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 16px;}ol {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;    font-size: 16px;    border-left: 2px solid black;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: #333333;    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 12px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;    background-color: #EFEFEF;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article><header><figure><img src="https://clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/deandre.jpg"><figcaption>CP</figcaption></figure><h1>Cardinals WR DeAndre Hopkins fires back at critics harping on not practicing in epic rant</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2020-12-23T16:21:11-08:00">December 23rd, 4:21pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2020-12-23T16:21:11-08:00">December 23rd, 4:21pm</time><address><a>Michael Corvo</a></address><h3 class="op-kicker">NFL</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p><i>Practice? We’re talking about practice? </i>Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins went <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGDBR2L5kzI">full Allen Iverson</a> during a Zoom session with the media on Wednesday, as he forcefully responded to those criticizing him for missing various practices over the course of his stellar 2020 season.</p><p>Apparently, he only heard the commentary through his grandfather, who is more plugged into the local media than the star wideout.</p><blockquote>“I heard a lot of negativity about me not practicing when I came to Arizona. I don’t watch like the Arizona local news and the channels and the sports station, but my grandfather is an avid listener to everything and every single one,” the Cardinals wideout said, per <a href="https://arizonasports.com/story/2487555/cardinals-deandre-hopkins-on-missed-practices-come-watch-me-play/" rel="noopener">Arizona Sports</a>. “If one of you guys say something bad about me, my grandfather, he’s told me,” he added. “I’ve seen all the blogs and all this stuff. I’m sure some of you guys have been in there egging it on, but I’m not going to name any names.”</blockquote><p>DeAndre Hopkins has not missed a game this season, though he has appeared on the injury report every week and has consistently taken practices off.</p><p>He has been listed with a couple of ailments: an ankle injury coming out of training camp, as well as a shoulder/neck issue a few weeks back. However, he has been listed as “non-injury absentee” for most of his missed practices, which is a designation used for resting veterans.</p><p>Hopkins’ production dipped during a recent stretch in which the Cardinals dropped four of five games, and some critics pointed to his lack of time on the practice field.</p><p>Yet, Hopkins leads the NFL in receiving yards through 15 weeks (1,324) and he’s second in receptions (103).</p><blockquote>“For those people who don’t understand football and don’t watch — there’s a reason I play football and they watch. People are in positions for a reason,” the Cardinals star added. “I really didn’t listen to (the criticism), I don’t listen to it. … I just listen to my grandfather and he was saying, ‘Man, Arizona, they’re really kind of on you right now because you’re not practicing … all the critics and the sports people.’ My grandfather knows who I am, also, and he knows how productive I am on that football field. He knew what I was going through and the people who were giving me stuff, they don’t know what I’m going through or dealing with. I don’t let my news or really what’s going on with me be publicized.”</blockquote><p>Most recently, Hopkins caught nine balls for 169 yards and a TD in Arizona’s 33-26 win over the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 14. He missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday for non-injury reasons.</p><blockquote>“Next year, please tell your friends and all you guys on the local stations, if you got any negative thing to say about DeAndre Hopkins: I charge to come on shows, but I’ll give a discount to come on a show for those people,” Hopkins said. “Tell those people who said I don’t practice to come watch me play the game.”</blockquote><p>The Cardinals <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/scores/nfl/2985b549-7ea2-4c58-a1f7-d2f325764e26/san-francisco-49ers-arizona-cardinals-12-27-2020" rel="noopener">host</a> the San Francisco 49ers in Week 16.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

ArizonaCardinals NEWS

Arizona
Cardinals NEWS