Desert Heat: How the Rams-Cardinals Rivalry Became a Playoff Battleground
The Los Angeles Rams and the Arizona Cardinals. For years, it was a series often overlooked, a footnote in the competitive NFC West. But in recent seasons, “Desert Heat” has become a fitting descriptor for this rivalry, as the stakes have risen, playoff berths have been on the line, and the games have become increasingly intense. The Rams lead the overall series 51-41-2, but recent history suggests this rivalry is far from one-sided.
From NFL Infancy to NFC West Clashes
The Rams-Cardinals rivalry stretches back to 1937, when the Rams were in Cleveland and the Cardinals called Chicago home. In fact, both teams are among the oldest surviving members of the NFL. For many years, the series was characterized by periods of dominance by one team or the other, but rarely did it carry significant national implications.
The shift occurred with the Cardinals’ relocation to Arizona and the Rams’ return to Los Angeles. Both teams found themselves battling in the NFC West, guaranteeing at least two intense matchups each season. The geographic proximity of Los Angeles and Arizona, separated by just 375 miles along the I-10, added another layer to the rivalry, fostering fan overlap and increased regional interest.
The McVay Era and a Cardinal Uprising
The arrival of Sean McVay as the Rams’ head coach in 2017 marked a turning point. The Rams dominated the Cardinals for years, winning eight consecutive games from 2017 to 2021. McVay’s offensive prowess and the Rams’ overall talent made them a perennial contender, while the Cardinals struggled to find consistency.
However, the Cardinals, led by quarterback Kyler Murray, finally broke through in Week 4 of the 2021 season, delivering a decisive 37-20 victory over the Rams in Los Angeles. This win snapped an eight-game losing streak and signaled a shift in the balance of power. Murray’s mobility and playmaking ability presented a unique challenge for the Rams’ defense.
2021 Wild Card Showdown
The 2021 season culminated in a playoff showdown between the Rams and Cardinals in the NFC Wild Card round. The Rams, ultimately Super Bowl LVI champions, proved too strong, defeating the Cardinals 34-11. Kyler Murray struggled mightily in his playoff debut, throwing for just 137 yards and two interceptions. The Rams’ defense stifled the Cardinals’ offense, showcasing their championship mettle.
Key Figures: Stafford vs. Murray
The Rams-Cardinals rivalry is also defined by the quarterbacks who lead the charge. Matthew Stafford, since arriving in Los Angeles, has generally performed well against Arizona. In 15 career games versus the Cardinals, Stafford has a 92.2 passer rating with 3,619 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.
Kyler Murray’s record against the Rams is less impressive. In 10 games, he is 2-8 with a passer rating of 85.6, 2,556 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions. However, Murray has had some stellar performances against the Rams, including a Week 2 game in 2024 where he achieved a perfect passer rating of 158.3.
Coaching Philosophies: McVay vs. Kingsbury (and Beyond)
For a time, the rivalry was also defined by the contrast in coaching styles between Sean McVay and Kliff Kingsbury. Kingsbury’s hiring by the Cardinals was seen by some as a response to the “Sean McVay effect,” with teams seeking young, offensive-minded coaches. McVay and Kingsbury were friends, and McVay even offered Kingsbury a position on his staff before Kingsbury took the Cardinals job. However, Kingsbury was fired after the 2022 season after posting a 28-37-1 record.
Recent Battles and Playoff Implications
In Week 2 of the 2024 season, the Cardinals dominated the Rams 41-10. Kyler Murray had a near-perfect game, throwing for three touchdowns. The Rams struggled on both sides of the ball, with Cooper Kupp leaving the game early due to an ankle injury.
Later in the season, in Week 17, the Rams secured a 13-9 victory over the Cardinals, helping them clinch a playoff berth. The Rams ultimately won the NFC West that year.
The Rivalry Today
As the 2025 season unfolds, the Rams-Cardinals rivalry remains a compelling storyline in the NFC West. With both teams undergoing changes and adjustments, the future of this rivalry is uncertain. One thing is sure: when these two teams meet, expect intensity, passion, and a battle for supremacy in the desert.