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The Rams hold a 10-0 lead over the Cardinals at halftime on Saturday night.


The Rams must secure a win on Saturday night to keep their NFC West title hopes alive, relying on additional results on Sunday for a chance to clinch the division.

Despite early struggles on offense, Los Angeles heads into halftime with a 10-0 lead over the Cardinals. The Rams punted on their first four possessions before quarterback Matthew Stafford ignited the offense. He connected with Cooper Kupp on a 29-yard strike down the right sideline, followed by Puka Nacua’s crucial 15-yard reception on third-and-10 to extend the drive. Kyren Williams capped it off with a 1-yard touchdown run on third-and-goal, marking his 14th rushing touchdown of the season.

Los Angeles added another score after forcing an Arizona punt, but controversy surrounded a key play. On third-and-10 from their own 23, Stafford found Nacua for a 10-yard completion that appeared to move the chains. However, replays revealed Nacua’s elbow was down just short of the first-down marker. The play wasn’t stopped, and no replay review was initiated, allowing the Rams to maintain their drive. 

With the drive extended, Stafford connected with Nacua on a 25-yard pass followed by a 7-yard completion. The series culminated in Joshua Karty drilling a 53-yard field goal, giving Los Angeles a 10-point lead. It marked Karty’s first field goal attempt of 50 or more yards since the Week 10 loss to Miami.

At halftime, Stafford is 8-of-20 for 123 yards, while Kyren Williams has rushed for 35 yards on eight carries, including a touchdown. Puka Nacua leads the receiving corps with six catches for 88 yards.

Defensively, the Rams made a critical stand, stopping James Conner on fourth-and-1 at the L.A. 14 early in the second quarter, halting Arizona’s best scoring opportunity.

Kyler Murray has completed 13-of-19 passes for 124 yards and added 20 rushing yards on three carries, though he’s been sacked three times. James Conner, who entered the game questionable due to a knee injury, has been ruled questionable to return after re-aggravating the issue.

The Cardinals will receive the second-half kickoff.

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