Cardinals Upset Rams as Chiefs and 49ers Maintain Winning Runs

Arizona delivered one of the NFL's biggest surprises of Week 6 by defeating the Los Angeles Rams 18-16 at SoFi Stadium, while the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers continued their unbeaten starts. The weekend also brought a significant injury concern for Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts and a record-setting performance by Jacksonville Jaguars two-way player Travis Hunter.

According to BBC coverage published October 19, Arizona kicker Chad Ryland secured the victory with his sixth field goal of the game as time expired. The result improved the Cardinals' record to two wins this season and dropped the Rams to 2-4, leaving Los Angeles at the bottom of the NFC West.

The Rams had briefly regained the lead with 47 seconds remaining after Colby Parkinson scored a touchdown and punter Ethan Evans handled the extra point. Arizona responded with Ryland's decisive kick. Los Angeles had also lost to Buffalo in overtime the previous week, increasing pressure on head coach Sean McVay.

McVay accepted responsibility for the team's struggles after the defeat.

"We've got to be able to figure it out and it starts with me," said Sean McVay, the Rams' head coach.

Arizona's victory also revived attention to linebacker Mack Wilson's preseason confidence. Bleacher Report noted that Wilson's comments resurfaced after the Cardinals defeated Los Angeles, following a four-game losing streak entering the matchup.

"They've got to deal with us," Mack Wilson told reporters before the season started.

Wilson had also emphasized the team's determination before the campaign began.

"At the end of the day, they've got to deal with us," Mack Wilson said.

Kansas City strengthened its position with a 22-6 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. Running back Kenneth Walker rushed for 128 yards and two touchdowns, bringing his season total to 665 rushing yards and leading the league in that category, according to the BBC. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes also recorded his 100th regular-season victory in his 131st start, matching Tom Brady's mark.

San Francisco remained unbeaten after defeating the Washington Commanders 23-17. USA Today reported that quarterback Brock Purdy completed 21 of 29 passes for 264 yards and one touchdown, adding 28 rushing yards on five attempts. His production declined in the second half after wide receiver Mike Evans left with an Achilles injury, leaving the offense with fewer receiving options.

The Philadelphia Eagles suffered a fourth consecutive defeat, losing 25-14 to the Carolina Panthers. The BBC reported that Hurts had played the previous game against Jacksonville with a superficial blood clot in his calf before a follow-up ultrasound indicated that it had moved.

The Eagles' quarterback was subsequently diagnosed with a serious condition involving blood clots.

"deep vein thrombosis, as well as bilateral pulmonary emboli," the BBC reported as the diagnosis affecting Jalen Hurts.

The 2025 Super Bowl MVP was receiving treatment, with recovery expected to take three months. Philadelphia's losing streak marked its longest under head coach Nick Sirianni, who took charge in 2021.

Elsewhere, Houston defeated Jacksonville 34-31 at Wembley, producing the highest-scoring NFL game in London since 2015. Hunter became the first player to record a touchdown reception and an interception in the same game since Brian Dawkins in 2002, according to the BBC.

Cleveland also continued its unexpected start by beating Baltimore 13-10, moving to 4-2 and taking the lead in the AFC North on a tiebreaker. Buffalo improved to 5-1 with a 33-30 win over Las Vegas, while Pittsburgh rallied from a 16-3 fourth-quarter deficit to defeat Tampa Bay 26-19 in overtime.