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As wildfires ravaged Southern California, the Los Angeles Rams found themselves displaced for a pivotal playoff game.
The Wild Card game got moved from their usual home at SoFi Stadium to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, due to the devastation back home.
Rams' playoff win offers L.A. a moment of Joy
Despite the change in venue, the Rams were determined to play for their city, and it showed in their dominant 27-9 win over the Minnesota Vikings in Monday's wild-card matchup.
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Quarterback Matthew Stafford acknowledged the significance of the game, not just for the team but for the people of Los Angeles who were facing the fury of the fires.
"We knew we weren't just playing for us," Stafford said after the game.
"We were playing for people back home who needed something to watch and enjoy."
Rams head coach Sean McVay echoed Stafford's sentiments, emphasizing the role sports can play in offering temporary relief during times of crisis.
"With everything that's going on with our community, everything that these guys have gone through, I thought they epitomized and represented the city the right way,"McVay said.
The Rams' victory was a bright spot for a city grappling with destruction.
As wildfires continued to wreak havoc, Stafford and his teammates wore Los Angeles Fire Department shirts in solidarity with first responders and the community.
Before the game, the Rams ed other local teams in announcing a combined $8 million donation to wildfire relief efforts.
Defensive lineman Kobie Turner reflected on the importance of the win, saying, "We had the city on our back this week. I'm glad we were able to pick up a dub."
Now, the Rams look ahead to the Divisional Round, where they will face the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.
The hope is that their playoff run will continue to offer moments of joy to fans still recovering from the devastation.
"For everybody, you guys, [who] are all going back home know it's been a difficult week," Stafford added.
"Just proud of this group and happy that we can come out and play the way we did tonight. Give the people back home something to cheer about for a little bit."
The Rams' playoff journey is far from over, but for now, their victory provides a brief respite for a city in need of hope.