Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon intercepted a pass in the end zone with 37 seconds left to preserve the Los Angeles Rams’ 13-9 win Saturday over the Arizona Cardinals in Inglewood, Calif.
Witherspoon made a diving catch after the ball bounced high off the helmet of Arizona tight end Trey McBride on the pass attempt by Kyler Murray.
The Rams (10-6), who lead the NFC West by one game, have won five straight games, while the Cardinals (7-9) have lost five of their last six games. Los Angeles could clinch a playoff berth on Sunday depending on the outcome of other games, and will have a chance to clinch the division next weekend against second-place Seattle (9-7).
Matthew Stafford threw for 189 yards while completing 17 of 32 pass attempts without a touchdown or interception. Puka Nacua finished with 10 receptions for 129 yards.
Murray was 33 of 48 for 321 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions.
McBride made 12 catches for 123 yards to surpass 1,000 yards for the first time in his three NFL season. Despite leading the Cardinals in catches and yards, his touchdown catch on Saturday was his first of the season.
Arizona running back James Conner, who gained 4 yards on four carries, did not play in the second half because of a knee injury.
Los Angeles took a 13-9 lead with 6:33 left on a 25-yard field goal by Joshua Karty, and Arizona had two chances to take the lead.
First, Murray engineered a drive that went to the Los Angeles 40. On fourth-and-10, his throw to the end zone was intercepted by Kamren Kinchens, who returned the ball to the Arizona 11 with 3:02 left.
The Rams punted after a three-and-out, and the Cardinals took possession at their 36 with 2:01 remaining.
The Cardinals drove to the Los Angeles 5 before Murray’s pass went high to McBride, hit his helmet, and Witherspoon made the pick.
Neither team scored until 3:23 remained in the second quarter. The Rams drove 60 yards on nine plays and cashed in with a 1-yard touchdown by Kyren Williams.
Los Angeles got a 53-yard field goal from Karty to make it 10-0 with 27 seconds left before halftime.
Arizona scored on the first possession of the second half when Murray threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to McBride, cutting the lead to 10-6. The point-after attempt was blocked, eliminating the chance to tie the game late with a field goal.
A 28-yard field goal by Chad Ryland cut the lead to 10-9 with 14 minutes left in the game.
