Biggest Winners and Losers from Monday Night Football Rams vs. Cardinals
We are officially in the final stretch of the NFL season, and tonight's game between the Cardinals and Rams was a sign of things to come.
The NFC West battle had a playoff atmosphere as both teams are jockeying for position in the NFC postseason race. In the end the Rams got the better of the Cardinals, beating them 30-23.
Let's take a look at the biggest winners and losers from tonight's game. Any odds mentioned are via WynnBET Sportsbook.
Rams vs. Cardinals Winners
The Packers and Buccaneers
Wait, how are two teams who didn't play tonight, considered winners?
Well, the Cardinals held the top spot in the NFC and BYE week if the regular season ended today. With the loss, the Cardinals have dropped to 10-3, which is the same record as the Packers and Bucs. Not only that, but Arizona has dropped to the No. 3 seed and the Packers now own the top spot in the conference.
It's going to be a tight race down the stretch as those three teams compete for the BYE week.
Matthew Stafford
People have been hard on Matthew Stafford in recent weeks. Whispers of him being overrated and how he only shows up against bad teams were making their rounds around social media.
A strong performance tonight against a the top team in the NFC quieted those critics for the time being. He went 23-for-30 for 287 yards and three touchdowns in tonight's game. That will do, Matt, that will do.
James Conner
Even in the loss, James Conner was the start of the game for the Cardinals. He only gained 31 yards on the ground, but he added in nine receptions for 94 receiving yards and he found the end zone twice. He's making the most of his one year contract with the Cardinals, and he'll be a sought after commodity this offseason.
Rams vs. Cardinals Losers
NFC Teams That are "In the Hunt"
The Rams have improved to 9-5 with the win tonight, and have all but locked up a spot in the postseason barring a disastrous end to their season. That leaves only two playoff spots realistically available in the NFC. The 49ers hold the No. 6 seed at 7-6, and then there are five other teams at 6-7.
If the Rams lost tonight, there was a chance that the No. 5 seed would have become available down the stretch, especially with LA's tough end to their schedule.
OBJ Haters
Hand up, I may not have bought into the idea of OBJ boosting the Rams chances to be a contender this season, but he did a good job of silencing his doubters tonight. He caught six receptions for 77 yards and a touchdown, which was his best game in quite some time.
He seems to be settling in nicely into the Rams offense.