I don’t want to call the Cardinals the surprise team of the year, because they had a good season in 2013, but I really didn’t see them sitting at 7-1 and in first place of the NFC West halfway through the season.  The Rams have been playing extremely tough so far and earned a big win last week on the road in SF.  St. Louis dismantled Kaepernick last week, sacking him left and right.  They will need to do so again this week against Palmer to prevent him from getting the ball to his talented receivers.  But regardless, the Rams will have to score points in this one.  They can’t expect to score and win with 13 points again this week.

The Rams will also have to stop the run.  Ellington hasn’t been great, but he has been efficient enough to provide the Cardinals with a formidable ground game.  The Rams have allowed an average of 136 yards rushing so far, so look for Ellington to get his carries.  The Rams have been very hit or miss this year.  They either get blown out or make it a game.  But two of their victories have come against division rivals that were favored.  The Cards should win this one, but the Rams aren’t going to make it easy.

CARDINALS 26 – RAMS 20

FANTASY BEAST – ANDRE ELLINGTON