In a hard-fought, low-scoring affair, the Los Angeles Rams extended their winning streak to five games, defeating the Arizona Cardinals 13-9 on Saturday. This crucial victory, their ninth in their last eleven outings, keeps the Rams' NFC West title hopes alive.

The first quarter was a defensive stalemate, with neither team managing to put points on the board. The Rams finally broke through in the second quarter with a Kyren Williams touchdown run, followed by a Joshua Karly field goal, giving them a 10-0 lead at halftime.

Matthew Stafford of the Rams throws a pass during the game against the Cardinals. (Harry How/Getty Images)

Arizona responded in the third quarter with Trey McBride's first touchdown of the season. However, a blocked extra point proved costly for the Cardinals. Chad Ryland added a field goal in the fourth, but Arizona still trailed by one point.

Karly's second field goal extended the Rams' lead to 13-9, putting the pressure on the struggling Cardinals offense to find the end zone. Despite several opportunities late in the game, including a drive that reached the Rams' 5-yard line, Kyler Murray threw two crucial interceptions in the end zone, sealing the victory for Los Angeles.

Xavier Smith of the Rams reacts during the game against the Cardinals. (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Both offenses struggled throughout the game. Stafford completed just 17 of 32 passes for 189 yards and no touchdowns, with Puka Nacua accounting for 129 of those receiving yards. Murray, while more productive statistically, completing 33 of 48 passes for 321 yards and one touchdown, was ultimately undone by his two costly interceptions.

Braden Fiske of the Rams celebrates a sack during the game against the Cardinals. (Harry How/Getty Images)

With this win, the Rams are in prime position to clinch the NFC West title. While several scenarios could lead to them securing the division, their fate ultimately rests in their own hands as they head into a potentially decisive season finale against the Seattle Seahawks.