INGLEWOOD, Calif. -- The Los Angeles Rams secured a hard-fought 13-9 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday night, bringing them closer to clinching the NFC West title and solidifying their position for playoff contention at SoFi Stadium.
The Rams now hold a 10-6 record and have extended their winning streak to five games, showing resilience as they inch closer to securing their playoff berth. The team's path to the postseason was aided earlier Saturday when the Bengals defeated the Broncos, impacting the tiebreakers favorably for Los Angeles.
Despite the loss, the Cardinals showed determination and effort, particularly from quarterback Kyler Murray, who completed 33 of 48 passes for 321 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. Murray had moments of brilliance but struggled under pressure, facing significant defensive pressure from the Rams throughout the game.
The game was marked by scoring struggles with neither team able to establish offensive dominance. The Rams kicked off the scoring with running back Kyren Williams plunging for a 1-yard touchdown late in the second quarter, giving Los Angeles a 7-0 lead. Following this, Rams kicker Joshua Karty extended their advantage with a 53-yard field goal just before halftime, making it 10-0.
The Cardinals, who entered the matchup needing to play spoiler as they were already eliminated from playoff contention, managed to bounce back. They scored their first points of the night through Murray’s 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end Trey McBride early in the third quarter, bringing the score to 10-6 after the extra point attempt was blocked.
Arizona's momentum continued when they successfully drove downfield, culminating the drive with a 28-yard field goal from Chad Ryland to narrow the lead to 10-9 with 14 minutes remaining.
With the game closely contested, the Rams responded with their own offensive surge, led by quarterback Matthew Stafford, who finished with 17 completions on 32 attempts for 189 yards but did not find the end zone. After another significant series, Karty kicked another field goal—this time from 25 yards—as Los Angeles retook the lead to bring the score to 13-9.
The game reached its frantic conclusion as the Cardinals mounted one last drive with under two minutes to play. They advanced to the Rams' 5-yard line, but with the game on the line, cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon intercepted Murray’s pass intended for McBride, effectively sealing the victory for the Rams. The interception was upheld after review, adding to the pressure on the Cardinals, who failed to capitalize on several potential scoring opportunities.
Rams coach Sean McVay praised his team’s defense following the game, stating, “We got away with a great effort from our defense.” The Rams' defense, strong throughout the match, managed to keep the Cardinals at bay and made key plays when it counted the most.
Notably, Wide receiver Puka Nacua had another standout performance, leading the Rams with 10 receptions for 129 yards. His contributions were instrumental, providing Stafford with reliable targets downfield.
For the Cardinals, the game presented some bright spots, including McBride finally securing his first touchdown of the season, completing 12 receptions for 123 yards. Murray’s performance, though filled with ups and downs, will leave room for reflection as the Cardinals aim to build on their innuendos for the next season.
With their aspirations set high, the Rams will face the Seattle Seahawks next week, and another victory would solidify their division title.
The Rams brought themselves to the cusp of clinching their playoff spot with the win, all but locking it down with favorable outcomes required of other teams to meet their tiebreaker conditions. Meanwhile, the Cardinals will face their final game against the San Francisco 49ers, hoping to finish the season on a positive note.