Rams-Cardinals takeaways: Playoffs odds take hit…

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 18: Blake Corum #24 of the Los Angeles Rams hurdles Garrett Williams #21 of the Arizona Cardinals in the second quarter of a game at SoFi Stadium on October 18, 2026 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Los Angeles Rams have plenty to address after a disappointing Week 6 performance against the Arizona Cardinals. What should have been an opportunity to get back on track instead turned into another frustrating afternoon, as the Rams fell 18-16 and continued to raise questions about their consistency in 2026.

Los Angeles entered the matchup needing a strong response, but the offense struggled to deliver enough points while the team failed to capitalize on opportunities that could have changed the outcome. In a division where the San Francisco 49ers continue to build momentum, every loss makes the Rams' path toward the postseason increasingly difficult.

With the season threatening to slip away, there are several lessons Los Angeles must take from this defeat. From execution on both sides of the football to the decisions that shaped the final result, Week 6 exposed concerns the Rams cannot afford to ignore moving forward.

1st Down: Rams playoff odds are not good...

Currently, the Rams have a 43% chance to make the playoffs. That might actually surprise you. Regardless, the Rams are going to need help now as they navigate to secure a wild card spot in the NFC.

Playoff chances for the NFC West, per @NextGenStats:

1. 49ers (5-0): 96%
2. Seahawks (3-3): 58%
3. Cardinals (2-4): 4%
4. Rams (2-4): 43%

Are the Rams' chances ... too high?! pic.twitter.com/f5L0qbNSQJ

- Henry McKenna (@henrycmckenna) October 18, 2026

2nd Down: Rams aren't a great football team (right now at least)...

Great football teams do not commit silly penalties in crucial moments. It happened with the Warren McClendon false start that killed a drive and resulted in a turnover on downs. And then on the Cardinals final drive, the Rams were flagged twice on the big play. The Rams were offsides AND Josh Wallace was flagged for an unnecessary roughness penalty. While the latter was bogus to say the least, it still does not excuse the offsides penalty; giving the Cardinals a free play.

In addition, the Rams also have limped across this season with its special teams. You need all three phases to be a great team in the NFL.

3rd Down: Tackling Issues

Bam Knight might as well have looked like Bijan Robinson in the 2nd and 3rd quarters. The Rams defense was on the field far too long because they could not stop the run. The Cardinals offense was able to run 70 offensive plays, far too many against a defense that did not allow a touchdown all day...

The Rams' tackling on this drive has left a lot to be desired

- Adam Grosbard (@AdamGrosbard) October 18, 2026

4th Down: Alaric Jackson's Week 5 postgame actions had a huge effect

Alaric Jackson's selfish decision to throw a punch at Bradley Chubb had huge ramifications. With David Quessenberry plugged in at left tackle, the Cardinals decided to blitz the Rams early and often. While Quessenberry wasn't glaringly bad, the Rams line wasn't as smooth with its protection of Stafford, surrendering three sacks. It forced the Rams offense to work even harder to try and climb back into the game.

Los Angeles is fortunate the suspension was reduced from a 2 game suspension to 1 game.