Sunday ... 60-Dime ARIZONA CARDINALS ... Remember last season, when the Cardinals had clinched the NFC West long before the season ended? Remember how bad the Cardinals were decimated by the Vikings and Patriots in Weeks 15 and 16 by a combined final of 82-21?

The Cardinals closed the season losing four of six games, getting outscored by an average final of 33-23. They did beat two teams, however, including St. Louis, 34-10 in Week 14.

And while this year's Rams are worse than last season's version, I'm not so sure the Cardinals can say the same.

So, while the they've already clinched the NFC West title, and there’s little chance of the Cardinals grabbing a higher playoff seed, I believe they have two goals against the lowly Rams: Stay sharp and stay healthy.

Coach Ken Whisenhunt has made it clear he is going to play his starters, and even if Matt Leinart gets extended playing time so Kurt Warner can rest up for the postseason, Warner's time in the game will take the Rams so far out of the game that Leinart should be able to play mistake-free football.

And when Leinart is in the game, it'll be the perfect time to establish Beanie Wells as the team's No. 1 running back by handing him the ball 15 to 20 times against a porous defense. And with a strong performance today, the more confidence the Cardinals will have in their running game heading into the postseason.

But forget about the high-octane offense for a moment ... let's talk about the Rams.

Ever heard of Keith Null? No, he's not the offensive coordinator or some offensive coach. Sounds like it though, right? Well, he's the quarterback. The starting quarterback. He was St. Louis’ sixth-round pick this year out of West Texas A&M. The Cardinals’ defensive players are going to feast on this kid, who is going to be stuck playing in a brutal environment in front of a raucous crowd.

I already know the defensive line will be fired up. The Cardinals will undoubtedly stack the box with an additional defender or two to stifle running back Steven Jackson, the team’s only offensive threat. Stop Jackson and the Rams will haveno choice but to put the game in Null’s hands, and that’s a bet I am confident I can cash in on.

Lay the points with Arizona, which will win by at least three touchdowns.