In a tightly contested matchup, the Washington Commanders narrowly defeated the Los Angeles Rams 20-16 in Week 9 of the 2026 season. This victory keeps the Commanders in playoff contention, while the Rams struggle to find consistency as the season progresses. Jared Goff led the Rams offensively, throwing for 287 yards and a touchdown, showcasing his arm strength against a tough Commanders defense. DJ Moore emerged as his top target, hauling in 107 receiving yards, but it was Antonio Gibson who stole the show on the ground for Washington, racking up 121 rushing yards and proving to be a key asset in the Commanders' offensive scheme. Defensively, Azeez Al-Shaair made his presence felt for Washington with a team-high eight tackles, including half a sack, contributing to a strong defensive effort that contained the Rams' explosive plays. The turning point of the game came late in the fourth quarter when the Commanders' defense stifled a crucial Rams drive, forcing a turnover on downs that ultimately sealed the victory for Washington.