Rams Rally Past Cardinals to Clinch No. 5 NFC Playoff Seed.

The Los Angeles Rams overcame a sluggish start and a surprising second-half deficit to defeat the Arizona Cardinals 37–20 on Sunday night at SoFi Stadium, securing the No. 5 seed in the NFC playoffs. Quarterback Matthew Stafford threw for 259 yards and four touchdowns, leading a late offensive surge that erased Arizona’s brief lead and restored momentum heading into the postseason. Despite playing their starters in a regular-season finale with little at stake, the Rams struggled to find rhythm early. Arizona capitalized after halftime, using a fake punt and a deep touchdown pass to briefly seize control late in the third quarter. That momentary advantage, however, appeared to awaken Los Angeles.

Stafford responded with three consecutive touchdown drives, including two scoring connections with tight end Colby Parkinson. Veteran tight end Tyler Higbee, returning from a six-game injury absence, made a significant impact with five receptions for 91 yards and a fourth-quarter touchdown. Wide receiver Puka Nacua also stood out, recording 10 catches for 76 yards and hauling in a highlight-reel one-handed touchdown before halftime. With the win, the Rams finished the regular season 12–5 and earned a wild-card matchup against the Carolina Panthers. The victory also marked a milestone for Stafford, who passed Dan Marino for seventh place on the NFL’s all-time touchdown pass list. He concluded the season leading the league with 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdowns, reinforcing his status as one of the NFL’s most productive veteran quarterbacks.

Arizona, meanwhile, closed a difficult season with its ninth straight loss. Jacoby Brissett threw for 243 yards and a touchdown, while tight end Trey McBride set an NFL single-season record for receptions by a tight end with 126. Despite flashes of competitiveness, the Cardinals finished 3–14, marking the first 14-loss season in franchise history.

The Rams now turn their attention to the playoffs, hoping their late-game surge serves as a blueprint for postseason success. Arizona enters the offseason facing major decisions regarding its coaching staff and quarterback situation.