The Los Angeles Rams gutted out a win to keep their postseason dream very much alive
The Los Angeles Rams beat the Arizona Cardinals 13-9 on Saturday and are within inches of winning the NFC West after improving to 10-7. The Rams need a strength of victory tiebreaker (explained here) to clinch the division title this week and if that doesn’t happen, L.A. can still win the NFC West by beating the Seahawks in Week 18.
Despite being eliminated from postseason contention, the Cardinals showed up to play as they gave the Rams plenty of challenges. A.Z. kept LA’s offense in check through most of the first half, but the Rams did end up pulling ahead with a 10-0 lead by the close of the second quarter. Matthew Stafford and the offense struggled with consistency as the defense tried to carry the team.
In the second half, Kyler Murray and his squad found their stride with nine unanswered points to make the game tight with a 10-9 score. The Rams did somewhat respond with a field goal with 6:33 to go in the fourth quarter, but the lack of a second touchdown gave Arizona a chance to take a late lead.
Chris Shula’s defense answered the call with an interception on Murray, but the Rams’ offense failed to capitalize as they punted the ball back to Arizona instead of finding a way to close out the game. With 2:01 to go in regulation, and only a four point lead the Cardinals once again had the opportunity to take a late lead over the Rams.
L.A.’s defense then did what they did all game when they themselves basically ended the game with an impressive interception.
SO MANY LOUD NOISES
: @NFLNetwork | #RamsHouse pic.twitter.com/uXRIkvZIjA
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) December 29, 2024
This game wasn’t pretty, it was close, it was grimy, but it was the Rams who somehow found a way to win, and keep themselves in the driver’s seat to win the NFC West.
The Rams still have work to do, but for one evening they can rest a little easy knowing they took care of business on a Saturday night in Week 17. Fans and the team will eagerly be watching to see what Sunday (and potentially Monday) brings, and whether or not the Rams officially clinch a spot in the playoffs.