The Los Angeles Rams remain in the NFL Playoff picture.
Matthew Stafford threw two touchdowns and the Rams held on to defeat the Washington Commanders 28-20 on Sunday at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
The Rams have won four of their last five games, and bounce back from a heartbreaking walk-off loss in overtime last week against the Baltimore Ravens.
The victory puts the Rams back in the NFC playoff picture as three teams are currently tied at 7-7 for the final two wild card spots.
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“Unless you told me the season ended right now, it doesn’t mean anything to me,” coach Sean McVay said. “How we move forward and how we handle our business over the next 72 hours and then leading into the game on Thursday is what’s most important.”
The Rams could have turned this game into a blowout, but they struggled in the red zone in the first half. In four trips to the red zone, the Rams scored a touchdown just once, fumbled another time, and settled for two field goals.
Thanks to their defense, the Rams led 13-0 at halftime despite those four trips inside the Commanders' 10-yard line.
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Stafford opened the third quarter with a 62-yard touchdown pass to wide-receiver Cooper Kupp. Kupp was wide-open on the play.
“Apparently a miscommunication over there, and we were able to get an easy one — as easy as Matthew is willing to make it,” Kupp said.
Despite leading by as many as 21 points in the fourth quarter, the Rams let the Commanders back in the game.
Lucas Havrisik missed a 43-yard field goal that would have given the Rams a 24-point lead. Instead the Commanders made a change at quarterback and backup Jacoby Brissett marched down the field for a five-play, 67-yard scoring drive that cut the lead to 28-14.
After a three-and-out, Brissett again led Washington on a touchdown drive that made it a one-score game.
However, the Rams recovered the ensuing on-side kick and were able to record a first down that ended the game.
Stafford finished with 258 yards and two scores. Kupp had 8 catches for 111 yards and a touchdown. Rookie running back Kyren Williams finished 151 yards on the ground.
“Definitely can finish the game better, but not going to apologize for a win,” Stafford said.
The Rams won't have much time to celebrate this one, as they host New Orleans on Thursday night with a chance to move into the six-seed in the NFC.
