Fansided

5 most interesting NFL matchups to watch Week 17

By Rucker Haringey

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 27: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns reacts late in the fourth quarter against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on December 27, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 27: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns reacts late in the fourth quarter against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on December 27, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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Jared Goff, Los Angeles Rams
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 27: Jared Goff #16 of the Los Angeles Rams calls out plays in the first quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on December 27, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

3. Cardinals vs. Rams

The Rams come into this game as the No. 6 seed in the NFC, while the Cardinals are on the outside of the playoff picture looking in. The outcome of this game will swing the battle in favor of the victor. Los Angeles can clinch a playoff berth with a win while Arizona could swipe their position with a victory.

The biggest question the Rams face heading into the game is who will start at quarterback. Jared Goff has been a fixture in the position since Sean McVay took over, but he dislocated his thumb in the team’s Week 16 loss against the Seahawks. If he can’t go, the Rams will go with backup John Wolford in his stead. The former Wake Forest standout has the confidence of the team’s coaching staff but is entirely unproven as an NFL player.

Goff is going to get the start if he’s anywhere close to healthy, but it’s unclear how effective he can be even if he is cleared to play. That makes the Rams’ mission clear. They will try to run the ball all over Arizona’s defense in an effort to make their quarterback play irrelevant.

Succeeding in that regard would also allow Los Angeles to keep Kyler Murray off the field. He’s a big-play threat every time he touches the football. The Rams will hope Aaron Donald can dominate the line of scrimmage against Arizona’s underwhelming offensive line.

Add it all up and this game still comes down to whether or not the Rams can get enough from the quarterback spot to win. Betting on a healthy Goff is risky. Betting on an injured Goff is downright scary.

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