Game result: The Rams pulled away late against the Cardinals to win and secure the No. 5 seed in the NFC playoff bracket. It was a back-and-forth game for most of the first three quarters, but LA scored 21 straight points across the third and fourth quarters to secure the victory. They will travel to face the Panthers next weekend in the Wild Card round.
NFL playoff picture: What Rams win over Cardinals means for NFC standings in Week 18
The Rams face the Cardinals in LA on Sunday. We break down what the game means for the NFL playoff picture in Week 18.
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The Los Angeles Rams wrap up their 2025-26 regular season schedule on Sunday when they host the Arizona Cardinals. While Arizona is playing out the string for draft position, LA is getting ready for the 2026 NFL Playoffs. The Rams have something to play for coming out of the 49ers loss to the Seahawks, but it’s possible LA still elect to rest some players in Week 18.
Los Angeles Rams playoff picture
The Rams will enter Sunday as the No. 6 seed in the NFC playoff bracket. They are now only a half game back of the 49ers after San Francisco lost to Seattle on Saturday. If the Rams beat the Cardinals on Sunday, LA will be the No. 5 seed. If the Cardinals beat the Rams, LA will be the No. 6 seed.
The biggest question right now is whether or not the Rams will play all of their starters. Head coach Sean McVay said he would play his starters, but the injury report suggests otherwise. The team ruled out cornerback Josh Wallace and guard Kevin Dotson, and have a host of players listed as questionable. It’s possible they send out the starters and make an adjustment with their starters.
Tiebreaker implications
There are no tiebreaker implications.
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