Brief

Cardinals stun Rams 18-16 with Chad Ryland’s last‑second field goal

Chad Ryland’s sixth field goal secured a comeback victory for Arizona at SoFi Stadium.

By Felo News Desk · Published Mon, 19 Oct 2026 08:32:25 GMT

Arizona Cardinals defeated the Los Angeles Rams 18-16 on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026, after kicker Chad Ryland converted a 43‑yard field goal as the clock hit zero, according to the Associated Press via winnipegfreepress.com.

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford threw for 222 yards and two touchdowns, including a 12‑yard pass to Blake Corum for the game’s opening score. The Rams’ new kicker Blake Grupe, who had made all 11 of his field‑goal attempts with the Indianapolis Colts the previous season, injured his knee five minutes into his debut when he tackled a returner, leaving the Rams without a regular kicker for most of the game.

Arizona responded with a balanced attack. Jacoby Brissett passed for 218 yards, while the Cardinals’ defense limited the Rams to 286 total yards, a sharp improvement from earlier in the season. After a Rams extra point by punter Ethan Evans gave Los Angeles a 16‑15 lead with 47 seconds left, Cardinals receiver Jalen Brooks hauled in a long pass and drew an unnecessary‑roughness penalty on Rams defensive end Josh Wallace, moving the ball into field‑goal range.

Ryland, who had already made four field goals, added his fifth to put Arizona ahead 12‑9 in the third quarter and his sixth as time expired to seal the upset. The kick was his sixth of the game and the decisive 43‑yard effort that clinched the win.

Defensive back Cody Simon forced a fumble by Rams tight end Tyler Higbee deep in Cardinals territory with 7:47 remaining in the fourth quarter, helping preserve the lead. The victory marked head coach Mike LaFleur’s first win against his former boss Sean McVay and gave the Cardinals their second win of the season at SoFi Stadium, where they also beat the Chargers in Week 1.

Key facts

Chad Ryland kicked a 43‑yard field goal as time expired to give Arizona an 18‑16 win. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Rams kicker Blake Grupe injured his knee five minutes into his debut. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Mike LaFleur earned his first victory over former boss Sean McVay. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Arizona’s defense held the Rams to 286 total yards. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Cody Simon forced a fumble by Rams tight end Tyler Higbee with 7:47 left. (winnipegfreepress.com)