Cardinals-Rams 2014: Game time, TV schedule, odds, playoff implications and more

The St. Louis Rams host the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday Night Football to kick off Week 15. The divisional showdown kicks off at 5:25 p.m. PT on NFL Network. The Rams opened as a field goal favorite, but the line has climbed to Rams -6, likely due to the loss of Andre Ellington, and Tyrann Mathieu's continued absence.

This is a huge game for NFC playoff implications. If the Cardinals win, they will improve to 11-3, and maintain the top spot in the NFC playoff standings. Additionally, if Sunday's Eagles-Cowboys game does not end in a tie, the Cardinals will clinch a playoff berth. However, if the Cardinals lose and drop to 10-4, the picture remains wide open. Green Bay is tied with them, with Arizona holding the tiebreaker due to conference record.

The 49ers are two games back, and if the Cardinals slip these final three games, they are one team the 49ers can overtake. Of course, if the 49ers offense doesn't get going this week, it really won't matter. The 49ers could very well remain alive in the playoff picture with a loss to Seattle on Sunday, but they will be circling the drain, or at least more than they already are, I suppose.

Go Rams!