The Cardinals want to make a prime-time statement against the Rams’ playoff hopes

The Cardinals want to make a prime-time statement against the Rams’ playoff hopes

Starling Thomas V stood in front of his locker, Christmas lights dangling from above, and admitted he enjoyed playing football this time of year.

“Everyone wants to do good during the holidays and give everyone something to smile about,” the cornerback said.

Well, not everyone. When the team travels to Los Angeles, it hopes the only people still smiling are its Cardinals neighbors.

“We definitely want to be a spoilsport,” Thomas said. “Everyone is still on the same mission of being winners and just trying to continue to change the way people view the Cardinals.”

After the Cardinals fell to the Panthers last weekend and were eliminated from playoff contention, the stakes changed significantly in Saturday’s game against the Rams. What was expected to be a fight for a postseason spot is no longer the case for the Cardinals. However, this still applies to their NFC West opponent.

The Rams, who are in first place with a record of 9-6, could win the division with a win over the Cardinals. With the Seahawks’ win over the Bears on Thursday night, Seattle’s hopes remain low. The Rams and Seahawks may play in Week 18, but the Rams end that hope with a win and the right results this weekend that would give them the strength of a win tiebreaker – the fifth decisive tiebreaker that determines a division winner.

“I’m going to be a big fan of Kyler Murray on Saturday. If they can do it, they can do it,” Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith said after Seattle’s win on Thursday night.

The Cardinals are disappointed that they are no longer in the dance. This primetime game was a great opportunity to make Week 18 a little more eventful for the entire division. But defensive lineman Naquan Jones still realizes they can shake up the division.

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