Beware Thy Neighbor! Week 9 NFC West Matchups + Previews

The 49ers are atop the NFC West at 6-2 and they have a bye, as do the Rams (3-5), who are in the basement of the division and were spanked in London in their last game losing to the New England Patriots 45-7.

CARDINALS vs. PACKERS (SUN NOV 4, 1 PM ET)

The Cardinals (4-4) have lost 4 straight and their offense is really struggling and they have a tall task taking on the Packers, who have won 3 straight and are 3-1 at home.

The Cardinals were schooled by the 49ers in their last game on Monday night where they had a grand total of 7 rushing yards. While they will not face a fierce defense like they did in San Francisco the Packers have a decent defense and their offense has been playing well.

The Packers and the Cardinals are tied for the lead in the NFL in sacks and that aspect of the game will be key. However, the Packers have the advantage since QB Aaron Rodgers is mobile while Arizona QB John Skelton is not.

The Packers have many injured players, but at home they are still favorites by 10.5 points. Rodgers still has quite a few targets and while the Cardinals have a solid pass defense they did not play well in the loss to the 49ers.

Skelton may have to do it all in this game since the Cardinals’ rushing offense ranks 2nd to last in the league. The offensive line must give him time in the pocket and he and WR
Larry Fitzgerald have to play well.

The Cardinals have also struggled to defend the run, but the Packers have also struggled to run the ball since Cedric Benson went out with an injury.

With the Cardinals’ offense woes averaging 9 ppg in their last 4 games their D will have to step it up to stop Rodgers and company to pull off the big upset.

This game is an easy call, as Rodgers and the Packers will not have a problem at home, as they will easily win this game and send Arizona to their 5th straight loss.