6 winners and 2 losers as Rams outlast Cardinals in way-too-close season finale

The 12-5 Los Angeles Rams' victory in Week 18 has allowed them to snatch the fifth-seed from the 12-5 San Francisco 49ers. But it was not an easy victory. Sean McVay opted to play all of his healthy starters, a gamble that nearly backfired as the team trailed until the final 16 minutes of the game.

If you watched the entire game, you know how precarious the outcome was through three quarters. But if you could only manage to tune in to see the final quarter of the game, you witnessed Los Angeles dominating the 3-14 Arizona Cardinals in all aspects of the game.

While the outcome was touch-and-go for the majority of the game, the final quarter was everything fans had hoped that the entire game might prove to be.

Loser 2: Rams special teams

Perhaps it's nitpicking, but the fake punt that the Cardinals used to get a first down early in the third quarter stunned LA, allowing them to score two unanswered scores. The fake punt led to a 28-yard completion, and it was enough to remind fans just how poorly special teams can perform.

Loser 1: Wide receiver Konata Mumpfield

It may not seem fair to pick on rookie wide receiver Konata Mumpfield, but the team clearly depended on him to pick up some of the slack caused by sitting veteran wide receiver Davante Adams. He was targeted twice, but failed to catch either pass. Mumpfield has only caught 10 of 23 targets this season.

The greater concern is that each time Mumpfield was targeted, the Cardinals' secondary had a chance to make an interception. Thankfully, that didn't occur.

Matthew Stafford and 5 teammates lead Rams to crucial Week 18 win

Winner 6: Edge rusher Desjuan Johnson

The former Mr. Irrelevant of 2023 was relevant in this one. He recorded three tackles and 2.0 quarterback sacks. Following the career track of former DE/OLB Michael Hoecht, Johnson flipped from a down lineman to edge rusher this season. He erupted for his season's total in sacks in a game that the defense needed to make a statement.

Johnson made his statement, loud and clear.

Winner 5: Tight end Colby Parkinson

While veteran tight end Tyler Higbee returned for this one, Colby Parkinson proved once again why he is becoming a vital contributor to the offense. He caught four of seven passes for 46 yards. But he also hauled in two touchdown receptions. His eight touchdowns in 2025 dwarf his career total of five touchdowns in his five previous seasons.

Winner 4: Edge rusher Josaiah Stewart

Rookie outside linebacker Josaiah Stewart got things running for the pass rush by recording a strip sack of Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett on the third play of the game. While that only led to a field goal, the sack set the stage for five more quarterback sacks to follow.

Winner 3: Wide receiver Puka Nacua

Wide receiver Puka Nacua had another touchdown reception negated by NFL officials. But he did manage to haul in 10 of 11 passes for 76 yards and a touchdown. And despite missing one full game and leaving two other games early due to injuries, he caught 129 passes this season (best in the NFL) for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Winner 2: Tight end Tyler Higbee

Despite his first game back from injured reserve, veteran tight end Tyler Higbee proved to be a vital contributor to the offense. He hauled in five of six passes for 91 yards and a touchdown. Better still, he was effective as an in-line blocker as well. His contract expires at the end of this season. But if he seeks an extension, he will get it.

Winner 1: Quarterback Matthew Stafford

After a game of two touchdown tosses and three interceptions, Matthew Stafford roared back in Week 18 to showcase his absolute mastery of the offense. He completed 25 of 40 passes for 259 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions. And this was a game without touchdown-maker Davante Adams.

The performance was the perfect encore for an MVP-caliber season. Stafford's 4,707 passing yards and 48 passing touchdowns lead all NFL quarterbacks. And only Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams played a full season with fewer interceptions.

It was a struggle, but a well-earned victory. And the team grew stronger as the game wore on. The LA Rams did not look like a playoff team until the final quarter in this one. But they certainly do look the part now.

As always, thanks for reading.