At a Glance
- Los Angeles Rams beat Arizona Cardinals 37-20, securing the No.5 NFC playoff seed.
- Matthew Stafford’s 46th career touchdown places him 7th on the all-time list.
- Rams will face the Carolina Panthers in the wild-card round.
- Why it matters: The victory locks a playoff berth, marks a historic milestone for Stafford, and sets up a crucial matchup for the Rams.
The Rams defeated the Cardinals 37-20 on Sunday, clinching the No.5 seed in the NFC playoffs. Quarterback Matthew Stafford threw for 259 yards and two touchdowns, both to Colby Parkinson. The win snapped a two-game skid and sent the team on a winning streak.
Rams’ Dominant Victory
The Rams’ offense exploded for 21 unanswered points after falling behind 20-16. Tyler Higbee returned from injury, catching five passes for 91 yards and a fourth-quarter touchdown. Puka Nacua added a one-handed catch for 76 yards and a touchdown.
- Stafford: 259 yards, 2 TDs
- Higbee: 91 yards, 1 TD
- Nacua: 76 yards, 1 TD
- Cardinals: 243 yards, 1 TD (Brissett)
Key Performances and Milestones
Stafford passed Dan Marino for seventh on the NFL’s career touchdown list while finishing the season with 4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns-third most in league history for a quarterback at least 37 years old. The Rams also saw Colby Parkinson catch a 21-yard touchdown and a 1-yard touchdown with 4:15 remaining.
| Player | Team | Yards | Receptions | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stafford | Rams | 259 | 18 | 2 |
| Higbee | Rams | 91 | 5 | 1 |
| Parkinson | Rams | 21 | 3 | 2 |
| Brissett | Cardinals | 243 | 18 | 1 |
| Wilson | Cardinals | 99 | 7 | 1 |
| McBride | Cardinals | 126 | 7 | 0 |
Upcoming Challenges
The Rams will need a win in Charlotte to advance, having lost 31-28 there on Nov. 30. Coach Sean McVay chose not to rest starters in the final regular-season game, hoping to snap a costly slump. The Cardinals are evaluating the future of quarterback Kyler Murray and coaching staff after a 14-game losing streak.
Key Takeaways
- Rams secure No.5 seed and face Panthers in the wild-card.
- Stafford’s 46th TD places him 7th all-time.
- Higbee’s return and Parkinson’s late-game TDs were pivotal.
The Rams’ victory not only guarantees a playoff berth but also highlights a historic season for Stafford, setting the stage for a high-stakes matchup against the Panthers.
