Rams Extend Playoff Hopes With Win Over Commanders

The Los Angeles Rams are now back to .500 and very much in the playoff hunt with their win over the Washington Commanders

Matt Galatzan | Dec 17, 2023

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Los Angeles Rams

It wasn't as pretty as they hoped, but the Los Angeles Rams got the win they needed vs. the Washington Commanders on Sunday, moving back to .500, and keeping their playoff hopes alive.

The Rams got off to a good start, albeit a sloppy one in the first half, taking a 13-0 lead into the locker room at halftime, while leaving plenty of opportunities on the field for more.

In the second half, however, they came out swinging, with quarterback Matthew Stafford hitting Cooper Kupp for a 62-yard score to take a 20-0 lead.

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) moves out to pass against the Washington Commanders during the first half at SoFi Stadium. — Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) moves out to pass against the Washington Commanders during the first half at SoFi Stadium / Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

After a Commanders score, the Rams were back in the end zone again, taking a 28-7 lead after a two-point conversion, and just about sealing the game.

The Commanders were able to make things close at the end, scoring two unanswered touchdowns after a quarterback change to Jacoby Brissett.

Unfortunately for Washington, it was too late, however, as a the Rams defense helped take valuable time off of the clock at the end to put the game out of reach and allow the offense to run things out on the other end.

WATCH: Rams Open Second Half With Big TD To Cooper Kupp

Stafford finished the game completing 25 of 33 passes for 358 yards and two touchdowns, while Kyren Williams added a dominant 27 carries for 251 yards and another touchdown.

Cooper Kupp also had an impactful performance, catching eight passes for 111 yards and one of Stafford's two touchdowns.

With the win now in their pocket, the Rams will move on to a very winnable two-game stretch against the Saints and Giants, before a showdown in Santa Clara with the rival San Francisco 49ers.

Published Dec 17, 2023

MATT GALATZAN

Matt Galatzan the Editor-In-Chief of RamDigest.com. Galatzan graduated from the University of Mississippi, where he studied integrated marketing communications, with minors in journalism and business administration. Galatzan started in the sports journalism industry under Mike Fisher at DallasBasketball.com in 2014, which at the time was part of the 247Sports network. He also spent two years covering the SMU Mustangs for PonyStampede.com on the 247Sports network. When DallasBasketball.com and CowboysCountry.com moved over to Sports Illustrated's Fan Nation network in 2020, Galatzan followed suit, eventually being taking over as the Managing Editor and Publisher of LonghornsCountry.com and AllAggies.com a year later. Through the years, Galatzan has conducted a handful of high-profile one-on-one interviews to add to his resume — in both writing and podcasting. Some of his biggest interviews have been with Mavs owner Mark Cuban, former Longhorns players Dan Neil and Phil Dawson, and many other recruits, and current/former players for each of the teams he has covered. Galatzan is also a full-time employee in the digital media department for Audacy and KRLD FM's 105.3 The Fan in Dallas, which is the official radio home of the Dallas Cowboys. You can find Galatzan on all major social media channels. For any inquiries, please email matt.galatzan@gmail.com