The last time Matthew Stafford stepped onto the SoFi Stadium field, he led the Rams on a frantic final drive to force overtime against Buffalo. Los Angeles still lost 37-34, but the comeback showed why this Week 6 game matters. At 2-3, the Rams have been close in recent weeks. Now they need to turn exciting finishes into wins when the 1-4 Arizona Cardinals arrive Sunday afternoon.

Stafford remains the steady hand in Sean McVay’s fast, creative offense. The Rams gain more than 400 yards per game, which means they usually move the ball well even when the final score does not go their way. Their biggest challenge is protecting the football and finishing drives. Los Angeles has given the ball away too often, and those missed chances have helped opponents stay close.

Arizona’s defense has allowed more than 32 points per game, so Stafford will look for his star targets early. Puka Nacua is a chain-mover who turns short catches into longer gains. Even though he has played only three games, he already has 31 catches. Davante Adams is the end-zone hunter, using quick feet and strong hands to make difficult grabs near the goal line. He has four touchdown catches, giving Stafford a dangerous choice whenever the Rams get close.

Kyren Williams can make that choice even harder for Arizona. He runs with patience, waits for a lane, and fights for extra yards after contact. His 343 rushing yards and five total touchdowns have helped keep defenses from focusing only on the Rams receivers. Yet the Rams will have to adjust without tackle Alaric Jackson, who is suspended for this game. Arizona can make Stafford uncomfortable if it wins that battle up front.

The Cardinals enter with their own chance to change the story. They have lost four straight games, including last week’s 45-21 defeat to Detroit, but Jacoby Brissett keeps feeding the ball to one of football’s most reliable targets. Tight end Trey McBride has 42 catches in five games. He is too strong for many defensive backs and too quick for many linebackers, making him Brissett’s favorite answer when pressure arrives.

Arizona also needs its young playmakers to give McBride help. Running back Jeremiyah Love is questionable with an ankle injury, and his status matters greatly. Love brings speed and power, but Arizona’s running game has struggled to get going. The Cardinals also will miss tackle Paris Johnson Jr., making it tougher to create space for runners and protect Brissett against a Rams defense that gives up far fewer yards than Arizona’s.

This matchup is a race between a Rams team trying to finish and a Cardinals team trying to build belief. Arizona has the weapons to strike back, especially if McBride controls the middle of the field. But Stafford, Nacua, Adams, and Williams give Los Angeles too many ways to attack at home. Prediction: The Rams win and climb back to .500.

Matthew Stafford and the Rams Seek a SoFi Stadium Finish Against Arizona