Quarterback Drew Stanton #5 of the Arizona Cardinals throws under pressure from linebacker Josh Mauga #90 of the Kansas City Chiefs in the second half of the NFL game at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 7, 2014 in Glendale, Arizona.Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images
Even as the Arizona Cardinals are presented an opportunity to clinch a playoff berth, they have plenty to be concerned about.
Injuries, for one: No contender has been more damaged than Arizona. It's somewhat astonishing that they not only lead the NFC West, but could grab a wild-card spot with a victory at St. Louis on Thursday.
Much easier said than done. The Rams come off consecutive shutouts – yes, they were against Oakland and Washington. Still, St. Louis is not a team anyone wants any part of right now.
Particularly the defence.
"They've always been as good a front four as anybody in the league and you're watching them jell and become an outstanding defence," Cardinals coach Bruce Arians says.
Preparation is at a premium for a short week, but neither is a fancy team with a lot of tricks. Most important is keeping your own house in order, according to Rams coach Jeff Fisher.
"I'm fine with a Thursday night game. It's just getting to Thursday night, which is the challenge as coaches," he says.
Despite their records, the Rams (6-7, No. 19 in AP Pro32) are 3 1/2-point favourites over the Cardinals (10-3, No. 6 AP Pro32).
RAMS, 17-16
No. 12 Cincinnati (pick 'em) at No. 20 Cleveland
Johnny Football starts off with loss.
BENGALS, 20-14
No. 22 Minnesota (plus 7 1/2) at No. 8 Detroit
Lions inch closer to postseason berth.
LIONS, 26-17
No. 31 New York Jets (minus 1) at No. 32 Tennessee
Loser might earn No. 1 overall draft pick, as well as bottom spot in power rankings. That would be J-E-T-S.
UPSET SPECIAL: TITANS, 16-13
No. 18 San Francisco (plus 9 1/2) at No. 3 SeattleNot nearly the once-anticipated showdown it was. Niners keep it close.
SEAHAWKS, 23-17
No. 16 (tie) Miami (plus 7 1/2) at No. 2 New EnglandPatriots clinch division with win. BEST BET on it.
BEST BET: PATRIOTS, 31-10
No. 4 Denver (minus 4) at No. 13 San DiegoLike Patriots, Broncos take care of their division.
BRONCOS, 27-21
No. 15 Houston (plus 6 1/2) at No. 7 Indianapolis
Ditto for Colts, albeit in a close one.
COLTS, 30-27
No. 1 Green Bay (minus 5) at No. 16 (tie) Buffalo
Packers could be playoff-bound by end of Sunday's action.
PACKERS, 24-20
No. 11 Pittsburgh (minus 2) at No. 23 Atlanta
Can banged-up Falcons lose their way into playoffs?
STEELERS, 23-20
No. 9 Dallas (minus 3 1/2) at No. 5 Philadelphia
Still very anticipated.
Eagles finish off sweep of Cowboys.
EAGLES, 30-23
No. 30 Washington (plus 6 1/2) at No. 26 New York Giants
Not at all anticipated.
GIANTS, 31-20
No. 29 Jacksonville (plus 13 1/2) at No. 10 Baltimore
Ravens might steal AFC North.
RAVENS, 28-13
No. 27 Oakland (plus 10 1/2) at No. 14 Kansas City
Previous loss to Raiders ruined KC's season. Won't be a repeat.
CHIEFS, 17-14
No. 24 New Orleans (minus 3) at No. 25 Chicago, Monday night
Any good hockey on TV Monday?
SAINTS, 27-26
No. 28 Tampa Bay (OFF) at No. 21 Carolina
Cam Newton's uncertain availability eliminates betting line.
BUCCANEERS, 16-13
2014 record: Against spread: This week (10-5-1); Season (100-100-5). Straight up: This week (12-4); Season (137-69-1)
Best Bet: 5-9 against spread, 8-6 straight up.
Upset special: 7-7 against spread, 5-9 straight up.