LA Rams win looms even larger in the aftermath of Week 16 final scores

Arizona Cardinals (eliminated)

Despite elimination with two more weeks of football to go in the 2024 NFL regular season, there is no other way to describe the Arizona Cardinals season other than a complete success. This team nimbly rebounding from a 4-13 record in 2024, and has won games this season against some rather formidable foes. But as is often the case with the Cardinals, success does not linger through the latter part of the season.

Many teams find renewed energy and vigor after a mid-season BYE. The Cardinals had the opposite experience. The team entered their Week 11 BYE with a record of 6-4, and holding the upper hand in terms of tie-breakers over the LA Rams due to a head-to-head victory. But much like the San Francisco 49ers, the team is now in a tailspin, losing four of their last five games.

The icing on the cake was losing a must-win game on the road to the lowly Carolina Panthers (2-15). That game, coupled with a Los Angeles Rams victory, eliminated them from the upcoming playoffs. While the outcome of Week 16 is undoubtedly disappointing for the Arizona Cardinals, their improvement over 2024 should leave fans with plenty of optimism for 2025 and beyond.

Panther running back Chubba Hubbard was the difference in that one. He churned out 152 rushing yards on 25 carries, and put up two touchdowns to give the Panthers a thrilling win in overtime. With their eighth loss, the Cardinals now find themselves in a spoiler role to face the Rams in Week 17.