Posted on Dec 30

Rams will play starters in Week 18 against Cardinals for playoff seeding, McVay confirms

Posted Dec 30, 2025

#cardinals #rams #matthew-stafford #coach-speak

The Los Angeles Rams are set to play their starters in a crucial Week 18 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, as they vie for playoff positioning.

Why it matters: This decision marks a departure from previous seasons when the Rams would rest key players ahead of the playoffs.

With an 11-5 record, the Rams have a chance to secure the No. 5 seed in the NFC with a win over the Cardinals and a Seahawks victory against the 49ers.
A loss, however, could drop them to the No. 6 seed, emphasizing the importance of this game for both postseason aspirations and momentum heading into the playoffs.

What’s new: Following a disappointing 27-24 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, where quarterback Matthew Stafford's performance was marred by three interceptions, the Rams are looking to rebound.

Stafford completed 22 of 38 passes for 269 yards, along with two touchdowns, but acknowledged, "Obviously I didn't play well enough... We didn't execute well enough."
Coach Sean McVay reaffirmed the need for improvement, stating, "We need to play better football."

Yes, but: The Rams strategy to play their starters raises questions about player health and fatigue.

Historically, some teams opt to rest starters in the final week to avoid injuries; however, McVay seems focused on building team cohesion and confidence before the playoffs.
He emphasized, "Oh, we're playing... Yeah, they're playing," indicating that he believes game-time experience is essential.

What to watch: This matchup against the Cardinals will not only test the Rams’ resolve but also their offensive strategies.

Look for Stafford to utilize his top targets more effectively, seeking high-percentage throws to regain rhythm after the prior week's struggles.
The Rams will likely leverage their West Coast offense, focusing on short to intermediate routes to help Stafford build confidence early in the game.

The bottom line: With playoff implications on the line, the Rams face a pivotal moment in their season.

A victory against the Cardinals could solidify a favorable playoff position, while a defeat may complicate their postseason trajectory.
As Stafford stated, "I love playing the game. So, yeah. I'll be ready to go," highlighting his readiness to lead the team in this decisive encounter.

As the Rams prepare for this critical clash, all eyes will be on how well they can bounce back and what strategies McVay implements to maximize their chances for success in the playoffs.

Rams will play starters in Week 18 against Cardinals for playoff seeding, McVay confirms

Alex Parker

Posted Dec 30, 2025

The Los Angeles Rams are set to play their starters in a crucial Week 18 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, as they vie for playoff positioning.

Why it matters: This decision marks a departure from previous seasons when the Rams would rest key players ahead of the playoffs.

With an 11-5 record, the Rams have a chance to secure the No. 5 seed in the NFC with a win over the Cardinals and a Seahawks victory against the 49ers.

A loss, however, could drop them to the No. 6 seed, emphasizing the importance of this game for both postseason aspirations and momentum heading into the playoffs.

What’s new: Following a disappointing 27-24 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, where quarterback Matthew Stafford's performance was marred by three interceptions, the Rams are looking to rebound.

Stafford completed 22 of 38 passes for 269 yards, along with two touchdowns, but acknowledged, "Obviously I didn't play well enough... We didn't execute well enough."

Coach Sean McVay reaffirmed the need for improvement, stating, "We need to play better football."

Yes, but: The Rams strategy to play their starters raises questions about player health and fatigue.

Historically, some teams opt to rest starters in the final week to avoid injuries; however, McVay seems focused on building team cohesion and confidence before the playoffs.

He emphasized, "Oh, we're playing... Yeah, they're playing," indicating that he believes game-time experience is essential.

What to watch: This matchup against the Cardinals will not only test the Rams’ resolve but also their offensive strategies.

Look for Stafford to utilize his top targets more effectively, seeking high-percentage throws to regain rhythm after the prior week's struggles.

The Rams will likely leverage their West Coast offense, focusing on short to intermediate routes to help Stafford build confidence early in the game.

The bottom line: With playoff implications on the line, the Rams face a pivotal moment in their season.

A victory against the Cardinals could solidify a favorable playoff position, while a defeat may complicate their postseason trajectory.

As Stafford stated, "I love playing the game. So, yeah. I'll be ready to go," highlighting his readiness to lead the team in this decisive encounter.

As the Rams prepare for this critical clash, all eyes will be on how well they can bounce back and what strategies McVay implements to maximize their chances for success in the playoffs.