Game story
In Week 1 of the 2013 NFL season on 2013-09-08, the Los Angeles Rams took care of business against the Arizona Cardinals, pulling away with a 27–24 final that came down to the wire.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 20 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
C. Palmer (Arizona Cardinals) paced the passing game, with +6.36 total EPA, and +3.5% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, A. Roberts (Arizona Cardinals) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +6.92 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-27.2% win probability) landed in the third quarter when Los Angeles Rams changed the game: (10:42) 8-S.Bradford pass short right intended for 88-L.Kendricks INTERCEPTED by 92-D.Williams (91-M.Shaughnessy) at LA 2. 92-D.Williams for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona Cardinals | 10 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 24 |
| Los Angeles Rams | 10 | 3 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 27 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 A. Roberts · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +6.92 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.77 EPA/play
- 2 M. Floyd · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +6.83 total EPA · 6 snaps · +1.14 EPA/play
- 3 C. Palmer · Arizona Cardinals · Passing · +6.36 total EPA · 45 snaps · +0.14 EPA/play
- 4 J. Cook · Los Angeles Rams · Receiving · +4.31 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.43 EPA/play
- 5 S. Bradford · Los Angeles Rams · Passing · +4.15 total EPA · 41 snaps · +0.10 EPA/play
- 6 C. Givens · Los Angeles Rams · Receiving · +2.98 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.99 EPA/play
- 7 L. Fitzgerald · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +2.06 total EPA · 14 snaps · +0.15 EPA/play
- 8 J. Dray · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +1.71 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.86 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
A. Roberts — ARI · Receiving
A. Roberts posted the highest total EPA (+6.92) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Arizona Cardinals's efficiency. Across 9 counted snaps, they averaged +0.77 EPA per play.
The signature play (-6.55 EPA) came from Los Angeles Rams: (10:42) 8-S.Bradford pass short right intended for 88-L.Kendricks INTERCEPTED by 92-D.Williams (91-M.Shaughnessy) at LA 2. 92-D.Williams for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Arizona Cardinals — L. Fitzgerald (C. Palmer pass)
- Los Angeles Rams — J. Cook (S. Bradford pass)
- Arizona Cardinals — D. Williams
- Arizona Cardinals — L. Fitzgerald (C. Palmer pass)
- Los Angeles Rams — J. Cook (S. Bradford pass)
Field goals
- Los Angeles Rams — G. Zuerlein
- Arizona Cardinals — J. Feely
- Los Angeles Rams — G. Zuerlein
- Los Angeles Rams — G. Zuerlein
- Los Angeles Rams — G. Zuerlein
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The second quarter: The quarter finished even at 10–10. Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the LA 4 (Q2 44:16) — (14:16) 3-C.Palmer pass short left to 11-L.Fitzgerald for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the LA 2 (Q2 44:11) — 4-J.Feely extra point is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-9-D.Zastudil.; Los Angeles Rams connected on a field goal from the ARI 18 (Q2 41:24) — (11:24) 4-G.Zuerlein 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.; Arizona Cardinals connected on a field goal from the LA 12 (Q2 35:27) — (5:27) 4-J.Feely 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-9-D.Zastudil.; Los Angeles Rams found the end zone from the ARI 13 (Q2 30:32); Los Angeles Rams added 1 points from the ARI 2 (Q2 30:26) — 4-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker..
The third quarter: Arizona Cardinals won the period 14–3. Los Angeles Rams connected on a field goal from the ARI 7 (Q3 29:00) — (14:00) 4-G.Zuerlein 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.; Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the ARI 93 (Q3 25:42); Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the LA 2 (Q3 25:34) — 4-J.Feely extra point is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-9-D.Zastudil.; Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the LA 24 (Q3 16:53) — (1:53) (Shotgun) 3-C.Palmer pass deep right to 11-L.Fitzgerald for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the LA 2 (Q3 16:47) — 4-J.Feely extra point is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-9-D.Zastudil..
The fourth quarter: Los Angeles Rams won the period 14–0. Los Angeles Rams found the end zone from the ARI 1 (Q4 13:01) — (13:01) 8-S.Bradford pass short left to 89-J.Cook for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Rams registered a safety from the ARI 2 (Q4 12:56) — TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 8-S.Bradford rushes up the middle. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.; Los Angeles Rams connected on a field goal from the ARI 20 (Q4 9:07) — (9:07) 4-G.Zuerlein 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.; Los Angeles Rams connected on a field goal from the ARI 30 (Q4 0:45) — (:45) 4-G.Zuerlein 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Los Angeles Rams (Q3 25:42) — (10:42) 8-S.Bradford pass short right intended for 88-L.Kendricks INTERCEPTED by 92-D.Williams (91-M.Shaughnessy) at LA 2. 92-D.Williams for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Arizona Cardinals (Q4 10:59) — (10:59) (Shotgun) 3-C.Palmer sacked at ARI 23 for -8 yards (94-R.Quinn). FUMBLES (94-R.Quinn), RECOVERED by LA-91-C.Long at ARI 22. 91-C.Long to ARI 22 for no gain (74-P.Fanaika).
- Arizona Cardinals (Q3 29:56) — (14:56) (Shotgun) 3-C.Palmer pass short right intended for 11-L.Fitzgerald INTERCEPTED by 22-T.Johnson at ARI 33. 22-T.Johnson pushed ob at ARI 4 for 29 yards (73-E.Winston).
- Arizona Cardinals (Q2 30:05) — (:05) 4-J.Feely 50 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Right, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-9-D.Zastudil.
- Los Angeles Rams (Q4 0:45) — (:45) 4-G.Zuerlein 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Los Angeles Rams (Q3 25:42) — (10:42) 8-S.Bradford pass short right intended for 88-L.Kendricks INTERCEPTED by 92-D.Williams (91-M.Shaughnessy) at LA 2. 92-D.Williams for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Arizona Cardinals (Q3 29:56) — (14:56) (Shotgun) 3-C.Palmer pass short right intended for 11-L.Fitzgerald INTERCEPTED by 22-T.Johnson at ARI 33. 22-T.Johnson pushed ob at ARI 4 for 29 yards (73-E.Winston).
- Arizona Cardinals (Q4 10:59) — (10:59) (Shotgun) 3-C.Palmer sacked at ARI 23 for -8 yards (94-R.Quinn). FUMBLES (94-R.Quinn), RECOVERED by LA-91-C.Long at ARI 22. 91-C.Long to ARI 22 for no gain (74-P.Fanaika).
- Arizona Cardinals (Q2 45:00) — (15:00) 3-C.Palmer pass deep middle to 15-M.Floyd to LA 4 for 44 yards (31-C.Finnegan).
Quarterback report card
C.Palmer led all passers in efficiency for Arizona Cardinals, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- C.Palmer (Arizona Cardinals) · 45 dropbacks · 57.8% completion · +3.5% CPOE · +0.14 EPA/play · +6.36 total EPA
- S.Bradford (Los Angeles Rams) · 41 dropbacks · 65.9% completion · +3.9% CPOE · +0.10 EPA/play · +4.15 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Arizona Cardinals | Los Angeles Rams |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.002 | +0.012 |
| Offensive success rate | 45.5% | 47.1% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.141 | +0.101 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.138 | -0.192 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.012 | -0.002 |
| Defensive success rate | 52.9% | 54.5% |
By the numbers
Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Arizona Cardinals +0.00, Los Angeles Rams +0.01) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.
- Arizona Cardinals: 12 drives, +0.14 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
- Los Angeles Rams: 11 drives, +1.02 total EPA, 7 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Los Angeles Rams leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- One-score margin — fantasy managers should double-check garbage-time stats before drawing conclusions.
- A. Roberts (Arizona Cardinals) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- C. Palmer (ARI) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.
- S. Bradford (LA) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q2 44:16 · LA 4 · Score 6-0
(14:16) 3-C.Palmer pass short left to 11-L.Fitzgerald for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q2 44:11 · LA 2 · Score 7-0
4-J.Feely extra point is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-9-D.Zastudil. - Los Angeles Rams FG (+3) — Q2 41:24 · ARI 18 · Score 7-3
(11:24) 4-G.Zuerlein 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker. - Arizona Cardinals FG (+3) — Q2 35:27 · LA 12 · Score 10-3
(5:27) 4-J.Feely 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-9-D.Zastudil. - Los Angeles Rams TD (+6) — Q2 30:32 · ARI 13 · Score 10-9
(:32) (Shotgun) 8-S.Bradford pass short right to 89-J.Cook for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Assistant challenged the runner broke the plane ruling, and the p - Los Angeles Rams XP (+1) — Q2 30:26 · ARI 2 · Score 10-10
4-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker. - Los Angeles Rams FG (+3) — Q3 29:00 · ARI 7 · Score 10-13
(14:00) 4-G.Zuerlein 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker. - Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q3 25:42 · ARI 93 · Score 16-13
(10:42) 8-S.Bradford pass short right intended for 88-L.Kendricks INTERCEPTED by 92-D.Williams (91-M.Shaughnessy) at LA 2. 92-D.Williams for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q3 25:34 · LA 2 · Score 17-13
4-J.Feely extra point is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-9-D.Zastudil. - Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q3 16:53 · LA 24 · Score 23-13
(1:53) (Shotgun) 3-C.Palmer pass deep right to 11-L.Fitzgerald for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q3 16:47 · LA 2 · Score 24-13
4-J.Feely extra point is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-9-D.Zastudil. - Los Angeles Rams TD (+6) — Q4 13:01 · ARI 1 · Score 24-19
(13:01) 8-S.Bradford pass short left to 89-J.Cook for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Rams Safety (+2) — Q4 12:56 · ARI 2 · Score 24-21
TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 8-S.Bradford rushes up the middle. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS. - Los Angeles Rams FG (+3) — Q4 9:07 · ARI 20 · Score 24-24
(9:07) 4-G.Zuerlein 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker. - Los Angeles Rams FG (+3) — Q4 0:45 · ARI 30 · Score 24-27
(:45) 4-G.Zuerlein 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Arizona Cardinals vs Los Angeles Rams?
The Los Angeles Rams beat the Arizona Cardinals 27-24 in Week 1, 2013 on 2013-09-08.
What was the final score of Arizona Cardinals vs Los Angeles Rams?
The final score was Arizona Cardinals 24, Los Angeles Rams 27 (ARI 24-27 LA) in Week 1, 2013 on 2013-09-08.
What was the score by quarter in Arizona Cardinals vs Los Angeles Rams?
Q2: Arizona Cardinals 10, Los Angeles Rams 10; Q3: Arizona Cardinals 14, Los Angeles Rams 3; Q4: Arizona Cardinals 0, Los Angeles Rams 14; Final: Arizona Cardinals 24, Los Angeles Rams 27.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Arizona Cardinals vs Los Angeles Rams?
Arizona Cardinals touchdown — L. Fitzgerald (C. Palmer pass) (Q2 44:16) Los Angeles Rams touchdown — J. Cook (S. Bradford pass) (Q2 30:32) Arizona Cardinals touchdown — D. Williams (Q3 25:42) Arizona Cardinals touchdown — L. Fitzgerald (C. Palmer pass) (Q3 16:53) Los Angeles Rams touchdown — J. Cook (S. Bradford pass) (Q4 13:01) Los Angeles Rams field goal — G. Zuerlein (Q2 41:24, 3 pts) Arizona Cardinals field goal — J. Feely (Q2 35:27, 3 pts) Los Angeles Rams field goal — G. Zuerlein (Q3 29:00, 3 pts) Los Angeles Rams field goal — G. Zuerlein (Q4 9:07, 3 pts) Los Angeles Rams field goal — G. Zuerlein (Q4 0:45, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Arizona Cardinals vs Los Angeles Rams?
C. Palmer (Arizona Cardinals), 57.8% completion, +3.5% CPOE, +0.14 EPA per dropback, +6.36 total passing EPA. S. Bradford (Los Angeles Rams), 65.9% completion, +3.9% CPOE, +0.10 EPA per dropback, +4.15 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Arizona Cardinals vs Los Angeles Rams?
A. Roberts (Arizona Cardinals) led the game in total EPA with +6.92 on receiving plays. across 9 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-6.55 EPA): (10:42) 8-S.Bradford pass short right intended for 88-L.Kendricks INTERCEPTED by 92-D.Williams (91-M.Shaughnessy) at LA 2. 92-D.Williams for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.. The biggest win-probability swing was -27.2%.
Was Arizona Cardinals vs Los Angeles Rams a close game?
Yes — the margin was 3 points. Los Angeles Rams won 27-24 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
Arizona Cardinals
Now 0-1 L
Los Angeles Rams
Now 1-0 W
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