Sports · October 18, 2026
Rams’ season hits new low after stunning last-second Cardinals loss
The Arizona Cardinals defeated the Los Angeles Rams 18-16 in a significant upset on October 18, 2026. The Rams, once preseason Super Bowl favorites, fell to 2-4 after Cardinals kicker Chad Ryland made his sixth field goal of the game as time expired. The Rams had taken a one-point lead with 47 seconds remaining following a Matthew Stafford touchdown pass and an emergency extra point by punter Ethan Evans. However, Arizona's final drive was aided by a 21-yard completion on a free play and a controversial unnecessary roughness penalty on Rams cornerback Josh Wallace. The Rams also played most of the game without kicker Blake Grupe, who injured his knee on a first-quarter kickoff tackle.
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Reported by multiple outlets
- The Arizona Cardinals defeated the Los Angeles Rams 18-16 on a walk-off field goal.
- Chad Ryland made six field goals for Arizona and no touchdowns were scored by the Cardinals.
- Rams kicker Blake Grupe was injured in the first quarter making a tackle on a kickoff return.
- Matthew Stafford threw a touchdown pass to Colby Parkinson with 47 seconds remaining to take a 16-15 lead.
- Punter Ethan Evans successfully kicked the go-ahead extra point for the Rams.
- Arizona was a 13.5-point underdog entering the game.
- Rams cornerback Josh Wallace was flagged for unnecessary roughness on the final drive.
Reported by only some outlets
- Matthew Stafford finished 25-for-33 for 222 yards and two touchdowns.
- The Cardinals defense recorded three sacks and limited Stafford to 4.2 yards per attempt for much of the game.
- The Rams offense committed several errors including a Tyler Higbee fumble and a failed fourth-and-1 run by tight end Davis Allen.
- The Rams defense has recorded only eight sacks through six games this season.
- Jacoby Brissett threw one interception on the Cardinals' opening possession.
Confirmed
- Arizona Cardinals defeated Los Angeles Rams 18-16.
- Chad Ryland made the game-winning 43-yard field goal as time expired.
- Rams kicker Blake Grupe suffered a knee injury on a kickoff tackle.
- Matthew Stafford threw a late TD pass to Colby Parkinson.
- Arizona entered as 13.5-point underdogs.
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