Cardinals vs Rams 2026 preview and update: Explore key matchups, injury news, Arizona’s 18-16 victory, player performances and the upcoming NFC West rematch.
Cardinals vs Rams, Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Rams, NFL 2026, Cardinals Rams Prediction, NFC West, NFL Week 6, Cardinals Rams Highlights
The Arizona Cardinals vs Los Angeles Rams rivalry delivered another dramatic NFC West matchup on Sunday, October 18, 2026, when Arizona secured an 18-16 victory at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
The closely contested game ended with Cardinals kicker Chad Ryland converting a 43-yard field goal as time expired, giving Arizona an important divisional win.
Both teams entered the matchup facing early-season challenges. The Rams held a 2-3 record, while the Cardinals were 1-4 and looking to end a four-game losing streak.
Arizona’s victory brought both teams to 2-4, adding further intrigue to the NFC West standings.
With another Cardinals vs Rams game scheduled for November 15, 2026, attention now turns to the next divisional meeting, key player matchups, injury concerns, and possible adjustments.
This article examines the latest result, major performances, tactical battles, and what fans should watch when these NFC West opponents meet again.
Cardinals vs Rams Latest Score and Game Information
Cardinals vs. Rams
SoFi Stadium • Inglewood, CA
Cardinals
2-4
18
Final
Today
16
Rams
2-4
OverviewTeam StatsPlayer StatsPlay-By-Play
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | T |
|
ARI |
3 | 6 | 3 | 6 | 18 |
|
LA |
3 | 6 | 0 | 7 | 16 |
The Cardinals defeated the Rams 18-16 in Week 6 of the 2026 NFL regular season.
| Game detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Matchup | Arizona Cardinals vs Los Angeles Rams |
| Date | October 18, 2026 |
| Week | NFL Week 6 |
| Stadium | SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California |
| Final score | Cardinals 18, Rams 16 |
| Winning team | Arizona Cardinals |
| Cardinals record afterward | 2-4 |
| Rams record afterward | 2-4 |
| Next meeting | November 15, 2026 |
The result was confirmed by the NFL and both teams’ official schedules.
Cardinals vs Rams Game Recap: How Arizona Won
Arizona relied heavily on special teams and defensive pressure to overcome Los Angeles.
Kicker Chad Ryland was central to the victory, making six field goals, including the decisive 43-yard attempt on the final play.
The Rams briefly took a 16-15 lead with just 47 seconds remaining following a touchdown reception by tight end Colby Parkinson.
However, Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett responded by leading a final drive that positioned Arizona for the winning kick.
Brissett completed 24 of 35 passes for 218 yards, while running back Bam Knight contributed 80 rushing yards on 15 carries.
Arizona finished with 338 total yards compared with 286 for Los Angeles.
Key Moments From the October 18 Game
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Chad Ryland made six field goals for Arizona.
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Matthew Stafford threw two touchdown passes for Los Angeles.
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Puka Nacua led Rams receivers with 80 receiving yards.
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Colby Parkinson’s late touchdown gave Los Angeles a temporary lead.
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Brissett directed the Cardinals’ final possession.
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Ryland’s 43-yard field goal secured an 18-16 Arizona victory.
These developments highlighted Arizona’s resilience and Los Angeles’ difficulty protecting a late lead.
[Related: Cardinals vs Rams Score, Highlights and Results: Everything NFL Fans Need to Know]
Cardinals vs Rams Key Matchups to Watch
The October 18 game provided several clues about what could influence the teams’ next meeting.
1. Matthew Stafford vs Arizona’s Defense
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford completed 25 of 33 passes for 222 yards and two touchdowns against Arizona.
Despite the efficient completion rate, the Cardinals’ defensive pressure disrupted Los Angeles at important moments.
Arizona frequently used aggressive blitzing schemes to challenge Stafford’s timing and limit sustained offensive drives.
For the November rematch, the Rams will need to improve their ability to recognize defensive pressure, protect Stafford, and convert scoring opportunities.
2. Jacoby Brissett and Arizona’s Offensive Execution
Arizona quarterback Jacoby Brissett helped his team control the ball and create scoring opportunities.
His final possession was particularly important, as he guided the Cardinals into field-goal range with less than one minute remaining.
However, Arizona’s offense failed to score a touchdown in the game.
Converting more red-zone possessions into touchdowns will be a key improvement area if Arizona hopes to produce more consistent results.
3. Puka Nacua vs Cardinals Secondary
Los Angeles wide receiver Puka Nacua remains one of Stafford’s most important targets.
Nacua recorded 80 receiving yards on October 18, including a crucial 42-yard reception during the Rams’ late scoring drive.
His route-running, yards-after-catch ability, and connection with Stafford could create difficulties for Arizona’s secondary in their next meeting.
The Cardinals will need to balance coverage against Nacua with pressure on the quarterback.
4. Special Teams Could Decide Another Close Game
Special teams were decisive in the October matchup.
Arizona scored all 18 points through six field goals, while Los Angeles lost kicker Blake Grupe to a knee injury during the first quarter.
Grupe’s absence required Rams punter Ethan Evans to handle extra-point duties.
The injury complicated Los Angeles’ scoring decisions and demonstrated why kicking reliability matters in closely contested divisional games.
[Related: NFL Special Teams Explained: Field Goals, Extra Points and Game-Winning Kicks]
Cardinals vs Rams Injury Updates
Both teams entered the October 18 matchup dealing with notable injuries.
Arizona Cardinals Injuries
Rookie running back Jeremiyah Love was ruled out with an ankle injury.
Love had recorded 245 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown through five games before missing the Rams matchup.
His absence gave Arizona additional reasons to rely on other running backs, including Bam Knight and Tyler Allgeier.
The Cardinals will monitor his recovery before upcoming games.
Los Angeles Rams Injuries
The Rams were without cornerback Trent McDuffie because of a groin injury.
Pass rusher Myles Garrett was also unavailable while on injured reserve with a knee injury.
During the game, kicker Blake Grupe suffered a knee injury, further complicating Los Angeles’ special teams situation.
The status of these players for the November meeting will depend on subsequent medical evaluations and official team injury reports.
Cardinals vs Rams Prediction: What Could Happen in the Next Meeting?
The next scheduled matchup between Arizona and Los Angeles will take place on November 15, 2026, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
Rather than relying solely on the October result, any preview of the rematch should consider offensive execution, defensive availability, turnover margins, and special teams.
Factors Favoring Arizona
Arizona demonstrated that it could limit the Rams’ offensive production while maintaining enough possession time to create scoring opportunities.
The Cardinals may also benefit from playing the rematch at home.
If Arizona continues to generate defensive pressure and receives consistent special teams performance, it could create another competitive contest.
Factors Favoring Los Angeles
Los Angeles has experienced offensive personnel, including Stafford and Nacua, capable of producing explosive passing plays.
Improved execution in critical situations could help the Rams avoid the missed opportunities that contributed to their October defeat.
The potential return of injured defensive players would also affect the matchup.
Game Outlook
The 18-16 result suggests that defensive adjustments, red-zone efficiency, and kicking performance could be especially important when the teams meet again.
It would be premature to provide a definitive score prediction without knowing November’s injury reports, active rosters, and recent performances.
Cardinals vs Rams Next Game: Date, Time and Location
Arizona Cardinals
Home
WEEK 10
VS
Los Angeles Rams
Away
Sunday, November 15, 2026
4:05 PM ET
State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ
CBS
The November matchup will be the second scheduled regular-season meeting between the two NFC West opponents in 2026.
Kickoff information is based on the published NFL schedule and remains subject to league changes.
Why the Cardinals vs Rams Rivalry Matters in the NFC West
Arizona and Los Angeles compete in the NFC West alongside the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks.
Because division rivals meet twice during the regular season, their head-to-head results carry additional importance in the standings and potential playoff tiebreakers.
The Cardinals’ October victory gives Arizona the first head-to-head win over Los Angeles this season.
The November rematch will provide both teams with another opportunity to improve their divisional records.
Even if neither team begins the year strongly, divisional results can influence the playoff picture as the regular season progresses.
Conclusion: Cardinals vs Rams Key Takeaways
The October 18, 2026 Cardinals vs Rams matchup ended in an 18-16 Arizona victory, powered by Chad Ryland’s six field goals and a decisive final drive led by Jacoby Brissett.
Los Angeles received two passing touchdowns from Matthew Stafford but struggled with offensive consistency, defensive injuries, and a significant special teams setback.
Both teams now hold 2-4 records, making their upcoming games important as they attempt to improve their positions in the NFC West.
Their next meeting is scheduled for November 15, 2026, in Arizona.
The main factors to watch are Stafford’s performance against Arizona’s defensive pressure, the Cardinals’ red-zone efficiency, injury recovery, and special teams execution.
