The Los Angeles Rams moved to within striking distance of the NFC West title as they defeated the Arizona Cardinals 13-9.
Kyren Williams went from a yard out in the second quarter for the Rams' only touchdown, and Joshua Carty added two field goals before Ahkello Witherspoon made a diving interception in the end zone with 37 seconds left to seal the victory.
The win moves the Rams to 10-6, one game behind the Seattle Seahawks at the top of the division before they meet in the final round of games next week.
Only a defeat and a string of other results that go against them could cost the Rams the title in a tiebreaker heading into relative strength of schedule.
“We didn't do a lot of great, to be honest with you,” said Matthew Stafford, who passed for 189 yards in the Rams' ninth win in 11 games. “I didn't do it great. I didn't do it great. But I found a way to get the win and get enough points.”
The Rams host Seattle (9-7) in the regular-season finale next weekend, but they could have already clinched the division title for coach Sean McVay before then.
If the Bills, Browns, Vikings, Commanders and 49ers combine for three wins — or two wins and a tie — over the next two days, Los Angeles will be NFC West champions on the strength of its schedule, regardless of what happens against Seattle.
Kyler Murray passed for 321 yards and threw two late interceptions for Arizona (7-9), which managed just three points on three drives inside Rams territory in the fourth quarter.
Arizona led Los Angeles by five in the final minute, but the Rams called for an all-out offense first.
Murray's quick pass was deflected off the helmet of tight end Trey McBride, and Witherspoon made a ten-fingered interception in the end zone that was upheld by video review even though the ball touched the ground in his hands.
“Honestly, the way the NFL works, you never know, honestly,” Witherspoon said. “I thought I hit it. You saw that in my celebration. But once I saw that replay, any time the ball hits the ground, you never know.”
“The ball didn’t bounce our way,” Arizona coach Jonathan Gannon said. “We got the ball in the end, we thought we were going to win, and they played a good game. It hurts because we are there, but we are not there. When we play the ball we have, we can compete and win.” “Everyone, but that doesn't mean much.”
What's next?
Rams: Host Seattle in the regular season final after winning three straight wins and 11 of their last 15 wins over their rivals in Sunday 5 Januarylive on Sky Sports NFL. Cardinals: Finish off the game at home against the 49ers, and also continue Sky Sports NFL.
Bengals win thriller
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Highlights of the showdown between the Denver Broncos and Cincinnati Bengals in Week 17 of the NFL
Joe Burrow threw three touchdown passes to Tee Higgins, including the game-winning goal with 1:07 left in overtime, to give the hosts Cincinnati Bengals Exciting 30-24 win over the Denver Broncos.
Previous touchdown passes to Higgins had put the Bengals ahead twice in regulation time, with Bo Nix finding Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims Jr. — from 51 yards out — to level the score each time.
Burrow ran for another score in the final two minutes, only for the Knicks to strike back as he found Mims from 25 yards out with just eight seconds left on the clock.
Cade York hit the post for a field goal for the Bengals in overtime, but with the Broncos just needing to hold on for the tie to clinch a playoff berth, Burrow connected twice with Higgins on one final drive to clinch the win.
What's next?
The Broncos need to beat the Kansas City Chiefs, who have already clinched the top seed in the AFC, to secure their first playoff appearance in nine years. Sunday 5 Januarylive on Sky Sports NFL.
The Bengals need to beat their AFC North rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and are hoping other results go their way. They also live Sky Sports NFL.
