NFC West: Rams Roll in the Desert

12/14/2021

By: Jeff Yoder

Rams def. Cardinals (30-23) Behind Stafford’s 3 TDs to Tighten NFC Playoff Race

The NFC playoff picture just got tighter. Matthew Stafford and the Rams’ high-powered offense outshined the Cardinals in an NFC West rivalry showdown on Monday Night Football (30-23). Stafford found the end zone three times to give the Rams their second straight win after a three-game skid. Los Angeles receivers Cooper Kupp (13 receptions) and Odell Beckham Jr. (6 receptions) combined for 200 yards and 2 TDs through the air. The Cards pulled within a touchdown inside the final two minutes and completed an onside kick attempt before Aaron Donald’s third sack of the game to end it.

 

Arizona had a chance to clinch a playoff spot with a win. Instead, the Cards are just 3-3 in their last six games after a 7-0 start to the season.

 

QB Comparison

M. Stafford (LAR): 23/30, 287 yards, 3 TDs

K. Murray (ARI): 32/49, 383 yards, 0 TDs, 2 INTs

 

Watch: Stafford’s 3 TDs Lift Rams Over Cards (30-23)

 

NFC Playoff Picture

1. Packers (10-3)

2. Buccaneers (10-3)

3. Cardinals (10-3)

4. Cowboys (9-4)

5. Rams (9-4)

6. 49ers (7-6)

7. Washington (6-7)

 

In the Hunt: Vikings (6-7), Eagles (6-7), Falcons (6-7), Saints (6-7), Panthers (5-8), Seahawks (5-8)

 

Full NFL Playoff Picture (Following Week 14)

 

Additional Storylines

NFL: What We Learned From Rams-Cardinals on Monday Night Football

The Athletic: Rams, Stafford Dominate Cardinals to Cut Arizona’s Division Lead to 1 Game