The Los Angeles Rams got back on track to end the regular season with a 37-20 win over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 18. The win gives the Rams a 12-5 record and the No. 5 seed in the NFC going into the playoffs.
The Rams have had the Cardinals’ number over the years, but Arizona actually played them tough in this one until L.A. pulled away at the end.
Matthew Stafford had another exceptional performance to put the cherry on top on an MVP-caliber campaign, completing 25-of-40 passes for 259 yards and four touchdowns. He finishes the season leading the league in passing yards (4,707) and touchdowns (46).
A big reason for that production is he got to throw to Puka Nacua all season. He had another great game himself to finish out the season with 10 catches for 76 yards and a touchdown to go along with two carries for 24 yards.
Outside of the touchdown to Nacua, Stafford was feeding his tight ends all day as Colby Parkinson scored two and Tyler Higbee had one in his return to action. Higbee looked healthy, which was great to see, finishing with five receptions for 91 yards.
Josaiah Stewart got home and Kobie Turner was there to recover the fumble! pic.twitter.com/jZq3HnJnOB
— Rams Newswire (@RamsNewswire) January 4, 2026
BY with his 12th sack of the season 😤 pic.twitter.com/OEKm39QhIx
— Rams Newswire (@RamsNewswire) January 4, 2026
Stafford to Puka for the TD! pic.twitter.com/V9DP4bzmUY
— Rams Newswire (@RamsNewswire) January 4, 2026
Ahkello said GIMME DAT! pic.twitter.com/zOo7pBYIi7
— Rams Newswire (@RamsNewswire) January 4, 2026
Braden Fiske’s turn for a sack 😤 pic.twitter.com/IY2QoPSU8U
— Rams Newswire (@RamsNewswire) January 4, 2026
Make it 3 touchdown passes on the day and 45 on the season for Matthew Stafford!
Welcome back, Higspic.twitter.com/RZev6rUfop
— Rams Newswire (@RamsNewswire) January 4, 2026
Matthew Stafford has his 4th TD of the day and will finish the regular season with a league-leading 46. pic.twitter.com/cXBg4lI3rV
— Rams Newswire (@RamsNewswire) January 5, 2026
On the defensive side of the ball, the Rams started the day with a sack/fumble by Josaiah Stewart that was recovered by Kobie Turner. They gave up some explosive plays but overall got the job done with six sacks and two turnovers.
Ahkello Witherspoon had the team’s lone interception of the day, stealing the ball from Michael Wilson on a jump ball attempt.
While it wasn’t always pretty, the Rams did what they set out to do and that’s finish the season with a win and some momentum going into the playoffs.
What’s next for the Rams
After finishing the regular season at 12-5 and clinching the No. 5 seed in the NFC, the Rams will travel to take on the Carolina Panthers on NFL Wild Card Weekend. The Rams will be looking for some revenge after losing to the Panthers in the same stadium in Week 13.
