The Los Angeles Rams' 13-9 victory over the Arizona Cardinals at SoFi Stadium has put them on the brink of clinching a playoff spot in the NFC West. The Rams needed a win and help from other teams to secure the strength of victory tiebreaker over the Seattle Seahawks. With the Bengals' win over the Broncos, the Rams are now in a strong position to clinch the division. Despite not scoring a touchdown in the first quarter for the 13th consecutive game, the Rams have managed to win their last three games, showcasing a resilient defense that has allowed only 15 points in the last two weeks [1].

Despite being out of playoff contention, the Arizona Cardinals displayed a strong passing game led by quarterback Kyler Murray. Murray threw for 321 yards and a touchdown, showcasing his ability to keep the Cardinals competitive against the Rams. Tight end Trey McBride also had a notable performance, catching his first touchdown pass of the season. However, the Cardinals' efforts were not enough to overcome the Rams' defense, which sacked Murray four times and intercepted a crucial pass in the end zone to seal the game. The Cardinals' passing attack has been a bright spot in an otherwise challenging season [2].

The Rams' defense played a pivotal role in their victory over the Cardinals, with key plays that stifled Arizona's offense. Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon made a game-sealing interception in the end zone, thwarting the Cardinals' final drive. Defensive end Braden Fiske contributed with two sacks, while outside linebacker Michael Hoecht blocked an extra point attempt and added pressure throughout the game. Despite the Rams' offensive struggles, their defense has shown significant improvement, allowing them to remain competitive and on track for a playoff berth [3].