The final whistle blew at SoFi Stadium, and honestly, it felt like a mercy killing for a season that started with such high hopes but crashed into the desert floor. If you're looking for the score of the AZ Cardinals game from their season finale, the scoreboard told a grim story: Los Angeles Rams 37, Arizona Cardinals 20.
It wasn't just a loss. It was the exclamation point on a franchise-record 14-loss season.
Watching this game, you’ve probably noticed the same pattern that’s plagued Arizona all year. They show flashes. They keep it close for a half. Then, the wheels just fall off in the fourth quarter. It’s been a long road from that 2-0 start back in September, and this finale against the Rams was a perfect microcosm of why fans are currently feeling like the "most miserable" fan base in the NFL, according to recent metrics from The Athletic.
The Breakdown: How 20-37 Went Down
Early on, it actually looked like Jacoby Brissett might pull off a miracle. Kyler Murray has been the center of a lot of trade talk lately, and with him out, Brissett has been the guy under center. He finished the day 22-of-31 for 243 yards and two touchdowns.
Actually, for a minute there in the third quarter, Arizona had the lead. Michael Wilson, who has arguably been the biggest bright spot of this rebuild, hauled in a 43-yard bomb. Then, Josiah Deguara caught a 7-yarder to put the Cards up 20-16.
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Then Matthew Stafford remembered he’s Matthew Stafford.
The Rams erupted for 21 unanswered points in the final frame. Stafford ended the day with four touchdown passes, two of them to Colby Parkinson. Puka Nacua also did Puka Nacua things, making an insane one-handed grab that's going to be on highlight reels for the next month. Arizona’s defense, led by Budda Baker’s nine tackles, just couldn't get off the field when it mattered.
Why the Score of the AZ Cardinals Game Matters for 2026
This 20-37 loss solidified Arizona's position at the bottom of the NFC West with a 3-14 record. They went 0-6 in the division. Think about that for a second. In a league designed for parity, they couldn't snag a single win against their closest rivals.
But there is a silver lining if you look hard enough.
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- Draft Capital: This loss secures a top-tier pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
- Michael Wilson’s Rise: He finished the game with 99 yards and a TD. He's a legitimate WR1 candidate.
- Trey McBride: He remains one of the elite tight ends in the league, even if the scoreboard doesn't always reflect his impact.
The reality is that Jonathan Gannon and GM Monti Ossenfort have some massive decisions to make this spring. Is Kyler Murray the future? The national consensus seems to be shifting toward "no," especially with the regression we've seen.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Cardinals' Rebuild
A lot of people look at a 3-14 record and assume the team is talentless. That’s not quite right. They lost five games this year by one score or less, including a heartbreaking overtime loss to the Jaguars and a one-point nail-biter against the 49ers.
The score of the AZ Cardinals game often hides the fact that this team is competitive for 45 minutes but lacks the depth to finish. They are a "stars and scrubs" roster right now. You have Budda Baker and Trey McBride playing at All-Pro levels, surrounded by a lot of guys who might not be on an NFL roster in two years.
Moving Forward: The 2026 Outlook
The 2026 opponents are already set. The Cardinals will host the Philadelphia Eagles and the Detroit Lions at State Farm Stadium. They’ll also have to travel to Kansas City and Dallas. It’s not an easy road back to relevance.
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If you're a fan, the next few months are actually more important than the games themselves. We're looking at a pivotal offseason where the "quarterback of the future" question has to be answered once and for all.
Next Steps for Cardinals Fans:
- Monitor the Coaching Staff: Watch for potential coordinator changes as Gannon tries to fix a defense that gave up 37 points in the finale.
- Draft Big Board: Start looking at the top defensive line prospects; the Cardinals desperately need a pass rush to help out Budda Baker in the secondary.
- Free Agency: Keep an eye on the salary cap. Arizona has space, but they need to spend it on "glue guys"—reliable veterans who can prevent these fourth-quarter collapses.
The season is over, and while 20-37 isn't the way anyone wanted to go out, the path to 2026 starts with learning from these specific failures.