The Los Angeles Rams moved to inside a whisker of the NFC West title as they
edged out the Arizona Cardinals 13-9.
Kyren Williams went over from a yard within the second quarter for the Rams’ solely landing, Joshua Karty including two subject targets earlier than Ahkello Witherspoon made a diving interception ultimately zone with 37 seconds remaining to clinch victory.
The win lifts the Rams to 10-6, one recreation away from the Seattle Seahawks on the high of the division forward of their assembly within the closing spherical of matches subsequent week.
Solely a defeat and a string of different outcomes going in opposition to them can value the Rams the title in a tiebreaker which is heading all the way in which to relative energy of schedule.
“We didn’t do a whole lot great, to be honest with you,” mentioned Matthew Stafford, who handed for 189 yards within the Rams’ ninth win in 11 video games. “Didn’t run it great. Didn’t throw it great. But found a way to get a win and get enough points.”
The Rams host Seattle (9-7) of their regular-season finale subsequent weekend, however they might have already got coach Sean McVay’s fourth division title clinched earlier than then.
If the Payments, Browns, Vikings, Commanders and 49ers mix for 3 wins – or two wins and a tie – over the following two days, Los Angeles can be NFC West champions primarily based on its energy of schedule, it doesn’t matter what occurs in opposition to Seattle.
Kyler Murray handed for 321 yards and threw two late interceptions for Arizona (7-9), who managed simply three factors out of three drives into Rams territory within the fourth quarter.
Arizona drove to the Los Angeles 5 within the closing minute, however the Rams referred to as an all-out blitz on first down.
Murray’s fast cross deflected off tight finish Trey McBride’s helmet, and Witherspoon made a 10-fingertip interception ultimately zone that was upheld by video overview although the ball touched the bottom whereas between his arms.
“Just the way the NFL works, you never really know, honestly,” Witherspoon mentioned. “I thought I stuck it. You saw by my celebration. But once I saw that replay, any time that ball hits the ground, you never know.”
“The ball didn’t bounce our way,” Arizona coach Jonathan Gannon mentioned. “Got the ball at the end, thought we were going to win, and they made a good play. It stings because we’re there, but we’re not there. When we play our brand of ball, we can compete and beat everyone, but it doesn’t mean a lot.”
What’s subsequent?
Rams: Host Seattle of their regular-season finale having gained three straight and 11 of their final 15 over in opposition to their opponents on Sunday, January 5, stay on Sky Sports activities NFL. Cardinals: End at house in opposition to the 49ers, additionally stay on Sky Sports activities NFL.
Bengals win a thriller
Joe Burrow threw three landing passes to Tee Higgins, together with a game-winning scoring strike with 1:07 left in time beyond regulation, to offer the hosts Cincinnati Bengals an electrifying 30-24 win over the Denver Broncos.
Earlier landing passes to Higgins had twice put the Bengals forward in regulation time, Bo Nix discovering Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims Jr – from 51 yards – to stage the rating every time.
Burrow ran for one more rating within the closing two minutes, just for Nix to once more reply as he discovered Mims from 25 yards with simply eight seconds left on the clock.
Cade York hit the submit with a subject purpose for the Bengals in time beyond regulation, however with the Broncos simply needing to carry on for a tie to clinch a play-off berth, Burrow linked twice with Higgins on one closing drive to grab the win.
What’s subsequent?
The Broncos want a win over the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs, who’ve already clinched the highest seed within the AFC, to safe their first play-off look in 9 years on Sunday, January 5, stay on Sky Sports activities NFL.
The Bengals have to beat AFC North rivals the Pittsburgh Steelers and hope different outcomes go their means, additionally stay on Sky Sports activities NFL.
