Rams Clinch Playoff Spot with Commanding 31-17 Win Over Cardinals in Week 18 Finale
The Los Angeles Rams entered their Week 18 clash with the Arizona Cardinals with everything to play for, and they played like it. In a dominant performance at SoFi Stadium, the Rams secured a crucial 31-17 victory, locking in the NFC’s No. 5 seed and setting their course for the postseason. For the Cardinals, the loss capped a bitterly disappointing 3-14 season, extending their losing streak against the Rams to nine games.
With playoff seeding on the line, the Rams’ decision to play their starters paid off handsomely. The defence set the tone early, with key turnovers stifling any Arizona momentum, while the offence did more than enough to put the game out of reach. This result wasn’t just a win; it was a statement of intent as the Rams head into the wild-card round.
Final Score and Key Game Highlights
Video Correlato: Rams VS. Cardinals Live Stream Play by Play, Highlights, Stats, and Watch Along… NFL Week 18
The final score tells a story of Rams control, but the key moments defined the contest. The Rams’ defence was ferocious, creating turnovers that snuffed out Cardinal drives and provided prime field position for Matthew Stafford and the offence.
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Rams | 7 | 10 | 7 | 7 | 31 |
| Arizona Cardinals | 0 | 10 | 0 | 7 | 17 |
A pivotal play came from the Rams’ defensive line, as highlighted in post-game coverage. Defensive end Kobie Turner recovered a fumble forced by outside linebacker Josaiah Stewart on Cardinals QB Jacoby Brissett. This kind of disruptive play was a hallmark of the Rams’ performance, consistently putting pressure on Arizona’s offence and creating scoring opportunities.
Injury Report: Who Was In and Who Was Out
Injuries played a significant role in the lead-up to this game, particularly for the Cardinals who were without their star receiver. Both teams had lengthy reports, impacting their game-day availability.
Los Angeles Rams Key Injuries
| Player | Position | Injury | Status (Week 18) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Josh Wallace | CB | Ankle | Ruled Out |
| Quentin Lake | S | Elbow | Ruled Out |
| Alaric Jackson | OL | Knee | Questionable |
| Kyren Williams | RB | Ankle | Questionable |
| Tyler Higbee | TE | Ankle (IR) | Questionable |
Arizona Cardinals Key Injuries
| Player | Position | Injury | Status (Week 18) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marvin Harrison Jr. | WR | Heel | Placed on IR (Ruled Out) |
| Kevin Dotson | OL | Ankle | Did Not Practice |
| Blake Corum | RB | Ankle | Did Not Practice |
The loss of Marvin Harrison Jr. was a massive blow for Arizona’s already struggling offence, removing their primary downfield threat and making life easier for the Rams’ secondary.
NFL Playoff Picture: What This Win Means for the Rams
The Rams’ victory had direct and significant implications for the NFC playoff bracket. Entering the day as the No. 6 seed, their win, combined with other results, solidified their position and determined their first postseason opponent.
By securing the No. 5 seed, the Rams avoided a potential matchup with the conference’s top teams in the first round. The Week 18 scenarios were clear: a win was essential to control their own destiny and avoid slipping into a more difficult wild-card matchup. The victory ensures they will travel to face the NFC South champion, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, in the first round—a challenging but favourable draw compared to other potential opponents.
“The Rams are going to play their starters and go for the win, aiming to secure the No. 5 seed and set up a playoff opener,” reported analysts prior to the game, a strategy that was executed perfectly.
For the Cardinals, the season ends with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, a small consolation for a franchise in clear need of a rebuild on both sides of the ball.
Betting Market Recap
The Rams were heavy favourites heading into this matchup, reflecting the stark difference in form and motivation between the two sides. The closing lines from leading sportsbooks were as follows:
| Betting Type | Los Angeles Rams | Arizona Cardinals |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | -7.5 (Favourites) | +7.5 (Underdogs) |
| Moneyline | -345 | +275 |
The Rams comfortably covered the spread with their 14-point victory, rewarding backers who trusted them to handle business at home against a depleted opponent.
Looking Ahead: Rams Set Sights on Postseason
With the regular season now in the books, the Rams can be satisfied with an 12-5 record and a playoff berth. The focus immediately shifts to Tampa Bay. The health of key players like Kyren Williams and Tyler Higbee will be paramount in the coming days as they prepare for a Buccaneers defence that has been stout all season.
For the Cardinals, the long off-season begins. Questions will swirl around the future of the coaching staff and the roster, with the development of their young quarterback and how they utilise their high draft pick being the central themes for 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the Rams vs. Cardinals Week 18 game?
The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Arizona Cardinals with a final score of 31-17 at SoFi Stadium on January 4, 2026.
What NFL playoff seed did the Rams secure with this win?
By defeating the Cardinals, the Los Angeles Rams secured the No. 5 seed in the NFC playoff bracket. This sets up a wild-card round matchup against the NFC South champion, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Who were the key players missing due to injury for the Cardinals?
The Arizona Cardinals were severely hampered by injuries, most notably missing star wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., who was placed on Injured Reserve with a heel injury. Key offensive lineman Kevin Dotson (ankle) was also ruled out.
Did the Rams cover the point spread against the Cardinals?
Yes. The Rams were 7.5-point favourites in the betting markets. Their 14-point victory (31-17) meant they easily covered the spread for bettors.