The Los Angeles Rams secured a crucial 13-9 victory against the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday night, inching them closer to a playoff spot and the NFC West title. With this win, the Rams improved their record to 10-6 and are now positioned as the No. 3 seed in the NFC, holding a comfortable lead over the Atlanta Falcons.
To clinch their playoff position, the Rams needed not only a win but also support from other teams. Their hopes were bolstered earlier in the day when the Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Denver Broncos, contributing to the required wins necessary for the Rams to potentially secure the strength-of-victory tiebreaker over the Seattle Seahawks. The Rams will face the Seahawks in Week 18, which could be a pivotal game depending on the outcomes during this weekend.
Despite the win, the Rams have struggled offensively in recent weeks. They have not scored more than 20 points in their last three games, yet they managed to win these match-ups, showcasing their ability to secure victories even when offensive production is low. A continued concern for the Rams has been their slow starts; they have not scored a touchdown in the first quarter for 13 consecutive games this season.
On the other hand, the Cardinals, who were eliminated from playoff contention, aimed to disrupt the Rams’ postseason plans while also looking to build for the future. Quarterback Kyler Murray performed admirably, throwing for 321 yards and a touchdown, despite two interceptions. Tight end Trey McBride had a standout moment, recording his first touchdown of the season after setting an NFL record for the most catches without a touchdown at 97, surpassing the previous mark of 92 set by Keyshawn Johnson in 2001.
As both teams prepare for their final games of the regular season, there remains hope for the Rams as they look to solidify their playoff spot and for the Cardinals to find building blocks for next year.
In summary, the Rams secured a vital win as they push toward the playoffs, while the Cardinals showcased moments of promise, particularly with McBride’s record-setting achievement. Tension and excitement abound as both teams prepare for their upcoming matchups, with each aiming to finish strong in their respective ways.