Arizona Cardinals Face Key Matchup Against Rams as Draft Hopes Rise
The Arizona Cardinals are gearing up for an important Week 14 showdown against the 9-3 Los Angeles Rams. After last week’s defeat, the Cardinals officially saw their postseason hopes extinguished, shifting the focus of fans entirely toward the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. With just five weeks remaining in the season, Arizona currently holds the 8th overall pick in the draft order and has a chance to climb into the top five by the end of today’s action.
Draft Implications Loom Large
The Cardinals find themselves in a four-way tie with the Cleveland Browns, Washington Commanders, and New York Jets, all sitting at 3-9. This situation makes it particularly straightforward to evaluate their draft standing as they head into this pivotal week. A loss for Arizona combined with wins from the Browns, Commanders, and Jets would elevate the Cardinals into the top five of the draft order.
Cleveland faces the Tennessee Titans, who are struggling with just one victory this season—their win coming against Arizona. The Browns enter the matchup as 4.5-point favorites, making this a critical game for the Cardinals’ draft aspirations. Meanwhile, Washington is a 1.5-point favorite on the road against the Minnesota Vikings, who will have J.J. McCarthy back under center. The Jets will take on the Miami Dolphins at home, where they are 2.5-point underdogs.
The alignment of these games is crucial for Arizona, as the three other 3-9 teams play in the early window. The Cardinals will be one of only three games in the afternoon slate, meaning fans will have clarity on their draft position by the time the kickoff occurs at State Farm Stadium around 2:25 PM.
Cardinals Face Tough Challenge Against the Rams
As if the stakes weren’t high enough, the Cardinals will face their toughest test of the season against the Rams. Arizona enters this matchup as ten-point underdogs, the largest spread of any team in Week 14. The Cardinals have struggled against head coach Sean McVay’s squad, losing three of their last four encounters. This game not only holds significant weight for the draft but also serves as a chance for the Cardinals to reclaim some pride against a division rival.
With the weight of postseason dreams behind them, Arizona’s focus sharpens on the future. As the draft looms on the horizon, fans will be watching closely to see how this matchup unfolds and what it means for the Cardinals’ prospects in the upcoming NFL Draft.
