The Rams need a win on Saturday night to have a chance at clinching the NFC West with some help on Sunday.
Though they struggled on offense for much of the first two quarters, they have a 10-0 lead over the Cardinals at halftime.
Los Angeles punted on each of its first four possessions before quarterback Matthew Stafford began the fifth with a 29-yard dart to Cooper Kupp deep down the right side. Puka Nacua’s 15-yard catch on third-and-10 moved the chains. Kyren Williams put the ball in the box on third-and-goal from the 1 for his 14th rushing touchdown of the season.
The Rams scored again after forcing an Arizona punt, but there was a significant missed call that helped the home team. On third-and-10 from the L.A. 23, Stafford hit Nacua for a 10-yard pass to move the chains. But broadcast replay showed Nacua’s elbow was down with the ball just short of the line to gain.
However, play was not stopped and no replay review was initiated.
Because the drive was allowed to continue, Stafford connected with Nacua for another 25-yard pass and a 7-yard pass. Joshua Karty eventually connected on a 53-yard field goal to give Los Angeles a 10-point lead. It was Karty’s first attempt of at least 50 yards since the Week 10 loss to Miami.
Stafford finished the first half 8-of-20 for 123 yards. Williams has 35 yards on eight carries with a touchdown. Nacua has six receptions for 88 yards.
Defensively, the Rams halted Arizona’s best chance to score by stuffing James Conner on fourth-and-1 from the L.A. 14 early in the second quarter.
Kyler Murray is 13-of-19 for 124 yards with another 20 yards on three carries. He’s been sacked three times.
Conner, who entered the weekend questionable with a knee injury, has also been ruled questionable to return with a knee issue.
The Cardinals will receive the second-half kickoff.
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