Game story
In Week 17 of the 2016 NFL season on 2017-01-01, the Arizona Cardinals took care of business against the Los Angeles Rams, pulling away with a 44–6 final that controlled the game from start to finish.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 19 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
C. Palmer (Arizona Cardinals) paced the passing game, with +7.34 total EPA, and -0.9% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, C. Palmer (Arizona Cardinals) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +7.34 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-23.8% win probability) landed in the second quarter when Los Angeles Rams changed the game: (14:51) 10-P.Cooper pass deep right intended for 30-T.Gurley INTERCEPTED by 34-H.Miller at ARI 13. 34-H.Miller to LA 35 for 52 yards (30-T.Gurley, 10-P.Cooper).
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona Cardinals | 3 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 0 | 44 |
| Los Angeles Rams | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 C. Palmer · Arizona Cardinals · Passing · +7.34 total EPA · 41 snaps · +0.18 EPA/play
- 2 J. Ross · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +4.26 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.06 EPA/play
- 3 D. Fells · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +2.75 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.38 EPA/play
- 4 L. Fitzgerald · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +2.41 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.34 EPA/play
- 5 J. Hekker · Los Angeles Rams · Passing · +2.31 total EPA · 1 snaps · +2.31 EPA/play
- 6 C. Reynolds · Los Angeles Rams · Receiving · +2.31 total EPA · 1 snaps · +2.31 EPA/play
- 7 D. Johnson · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +1.93 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.48 EPA/play
- 8 M. Thomas · Los Angeles Rams · Receiving · +1.54 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.54 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
C. Palmer — ARI · Passing
C. Palmer posted the highest total EPA (+7.34) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Arizona Cardinals's efficiency. Across 41 counted snaps, they averaged +0.18 EPA per play.
The signature play (-10.25 EPA) came from Los Angeles Rams: (8:15) (Shotgun) 14-S.Mannion pass short right intended for 10-P.Cooper INTERCEPTED by 28-J.Bethel at ARI 34. 28-J.Bethel for 66 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 — J. Ross (C. Palmer pass)
- Arizona Cardinals — D. Fells (C. Palmer pass)
- Arizona Cardinals — K. Williams
- Arizona Cardinals — L. Fitzgerald (C. Palmer pass)
- Arizona Cardinals — J. Bethel
Field goals
- Arizona Cardinals — C. Catanzaro
- Arizona Cardinals — C. Catanzaro
- Los Angeles Rams — G. Zuerlein
- Los Angeles Rams — G. Zuerlein
- Arizona Cardinals — C. Catanzaro
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Arizona Cardinals won the period 3–0. Arizona Cardinals connected on a field goal from the LA 14 (Q1 55:39) — (10:39) 7-C.Catanzaro 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-6-M.Wile..
The second quarter: Arizona Cardinals won the period 13–6. Arizona Cardinals connected on a field goal from the LA 16 (Q2 42:30) — (12:30) 7-C.Catanzaro 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-6-M.Wile.; Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the LA 4 (Q2 37:47) — (7:47) (Shotgun) 3-C.Palmer pass short middle to 16-J.Ross for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the LA 15 (Q2 37:42) — 7-C.Catanzaro extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-6-M.Wile.; Los Angeles Rams connected on a field goal from the ARI 19 (Q2 32:39) — (2:39) 4-G.Zuerlein 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.; Los Angeles Rams connected on a field goal from the ARI 18 (Q2 30:53) — (:53) 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 29 (Q2 30:01) — (:01) 7-C.Catanzaro 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-6-M.Wile..
The third quarter: Arizona Cardinals won the period 14–0. Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the LA 37 (Q3 28:20) — (13:20) 3-C.Palmer pass deep left to 85-D.Fells for 37 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the LA 15 (Q3 28:11) — 7-C.Catanzaro extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-6-M.Wile.; Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the LA 1 (Q3 23:22) — (8:22) 61-C.Toner reported in as eligible. 33-K.Williams up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the LA 15 (Q3 23:17) — 7-C.Catanzaro extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-6-M.Wile..
The fourth quarter: Arizona Cardinals won the period 14–0. Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the LA 5 (Q4 11:40) — (11:40) (Shotgun) 3-C.Palmer pass short middle to 11-L.Fitzgerald for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the LA 15 (Q4 11:35) — 7-C.Catanzaro extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-6-M.Wile.; Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the ARI 34 (Q4 8:15); Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the LA 15 (Q4 8:06) — 7-C.Catanzaro extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-6-M.Wile..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Los Angeles Rams (Q2 44:51) — (14:51) 10-P.Cooper pass deep right intended for 30-T.Gurley INTERCEPTED by 34-H.Miller at ARI 13. 34-H.Miller to LA 35 for 52 yards (30-T.Gurley, 10-P.Cooper).
- Arizona Cardinals (Q2 45:00) — (15:00) (Shotgun) 3-C.Palmer pass deep middle intended for 14-J.Nelson INTERCEPTED by 31-M.Alexander [93-E.Westbrooks] at ARI 48. 31-M.Alexander to ARI 29 for 19 yards (14-J.Nelson).
- Arizona Cardinals (Q2 32:06) — (2:06) 6-M.Wile punt is BLOCKED by 34-C.Reynolds, Center-46-A.Brewer, recovered by ARI-33-K.Williams at ARI 19. 33-K.Williams to ARI 19 for no gain (24-B.Countess).
- Arizona Cardinals (Q1 58:55) — (13:55) 3-C.Palmer pass deep right to 11-L.Fitzgerald to LA 34 for 22 yards (22-T.Johnson).
- Arizona Cardinals (Q2 30:34) — (:34) (Shotgun) 3-C.Palmer pass short left to 14-J.Nelson to ARI 38 for 16 yards (52-A.Ogletree).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Los Angeles Rams (Q4 8:15) — (8:15) (Shotgun) 14-S.Mannion pass short right intended for 10-P.Cooper INTERCEPTED by 28-J.Bethel at ARI 34. 28-J.Bethel for 66 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Los Angeles Rams (Q2 44:51) — (14:51) 10-P.Cooper pass deep right intended for 30-T.Gurley INTERCEPTED by 34-H.Miller at ARI 13. 34-H.Miller to LA 35 for 52 yards (30-T.Gurley, 10-P.Cooper).
- Arizona Cardinals (Q3 24:14) — (9:14) (Shotgun) 3-C.Palmer pass deep left to 14-J.Nelson ran ob at LA 4 for 32 yards. Los Angeles challenged the pass completion ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field was confirmed
- Arizona Cardinals (Q2 45:00) — (15:00) (Shotgun) 3-C.Palmer pass deep middle intended for 14-J.Nelson INTERCEPTED by 31-M.Alexander [93-E.Westbrooks] at ARI 48. 31-M.Alexander to ARI 29 for 19 yards (14-J.Nelson).
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) · 41 dropbacks · 48.8% completion · -0.9% CPOE · +0.18 EPA/play · +7.34 total EPA
- J.Goff (Los Angeles Rams) · 29 dropbacks · 44.8% completion · -6.7% CPOE · -0.69 EPA/play · -20.00 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Arizona Cardinals | Los Angeles Rams |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.030 | -0.553 |
| Offensive success rate | 44.3% | 30.5% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.112 | -0.968 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.109 | -0.333 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.553 | -0.030 |
| Defensive success rate | 69.5% | 55.7% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Arizona Cardinals generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.03 vs -0.55), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Arizona Cardinals: 14 drives, +2.67 total EPA, 7 scoring drives
- Los Angeles Rams: 14 drives, -45.32 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Arizona Cardinals leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- C. Palmer (Arizona Cardinals) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- J. Goff (LA) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Arizona Cardinals FG (+3) — Q1 55:39 · LA 14 · Score 3-0
(10:39) 7-C.Catanzaro 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-6-M.Wile. - Arizona Cardinals FG (+3) — Q2 42:30 · LA 16 · Score 6-0
(12:30) 7-C.Catanzaro 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-6-M.Wile. - Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q2 37:47 · LA 4 · Score 12-0
(7:47) (Shotgun) 3-C.Palmer pass short middle to 16-J.Ross for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q2 37:42 · LA 15 · Score 13-0
7-C.Catanzaro extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-6-M.Wile. - Los Angeles Rams FG (+3) — Q2 32:39 · ARI 19 · Score 13-3
(2:39) 4-G.Zuerlein 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker. - Los Angeles Rams FG (+3) — Q2 30:53 · ARI 18 · Score 13-6
(:53) 4-G.Zuerlein 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker. - Arizona Cardinals FG (+3) — Q2 30:01 · LA 29 · Score 16-6
(:01) 7-C.Catanzaro 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-6-M.Wile. - Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q3 28:20 · LA 37 · Score 22-6
(13:20) 3-C.Palmer pass deep left to 85-D.Fells for 37 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q3 28:11 · LA 15 · Score 23-6
7-C.Catanzaro extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-6-M.Wile. - Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q3 23:22 · LA 1 · Score 29-6
(8:22) 61-C.Toner reported in as eligible. 33-K.Williams up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q3 23:17 · LA 15 · Score 30-6
7-C.Catanzaro extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-6-M.Wile. - Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q4 11:40 · LA 5 · Score 36-6
(11:40) (Shotgun) 3-C.Palmer pass short middle to 11-L.Fitzgerald for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q4 11:35 · LA 15 · Score 37-6
7-C.Catanzaro extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-6-M.Wile. - Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q4 8:15 · ARI 34 · Score 43-6
(8:15) (Shotgun) 14-S.Mannion pass short right intended for 10-P.Cooper INTERCEPTED by 28-J.Bethel at ARI 34. 28-J.Bethel for 66 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q4 8:06 · LA 15 · Score 44-6
7-C.Catanzaro extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-6-M.Wile.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Arizona Cardinals vs Los Angeles Rams?
The Arizona Cardinals beat the Los Angeles Rams 44-6 in Week 17, 2016 on 2017-01-01.
What was the final score of Arizona Cardinals vs Los Angeles Rams?
The final score was Arizona Cardinals 44, Los Angeles Rams 6 (ARI 44-6 LA) in Week 17, 2016 on 2017-01-01.
What was the score by quarter in Arizona Cardinals vs Los Angeles Rams?
Q1: Arizona Cardinals 3, Los Angeles Rams 0; Q2: Arizona Cardinals 13, Los Angeles Rams 6; Q3: Arizona Cardinals 14, Los Angeles Rams 0; Q4: Arizona Cardinals 14, Los Angeles Rams 0; Final: Arizona Cardinals 44, Los Angeles Rams 6.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Arizona Cardinals vs Los Angeles Rams?
Arizona Cardinals touchdown — J. Ross (C. Palmer pass) (Q2 37:47) Arizona Cardinals touchdown — D. Fells (C. Palmer pass) (Q3 28:20) Arizona Cardinals touchdown — K. Williams (Q3 23:22) Arizona Cardinals touchdown — L. Fitzgerald (C. Palmer pass) (Q4 11:40) Arizona Cardinals touchdown — J. Bethel (Q4 8:15) Arizona Cardinals field goal — C. Catanzaro (Q1 55:39, 3 pts) Arizona Cardinals field goal — C. Catanzaro (Q2 42:30, 3 pts) Los Angeles Rams field goal — G. Zuerlein (Q2 32:39, 3 pts) Los Angeles Rams field goal — G. Zuerlein (Q2 30:53, 3 pts) Arizona Cardinals field goal — C. Catanzaro (Q2 30:01, 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), 48.8% completion, -0.9% CPOE, +0.18 EPA per dropback, +7.34 total passing EPA. J. Goff (Los Angeles Rams), 44.8% completion, -6.7% CPOE, -0.69 EPA per dropback, -20.00 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Arizona Cardinals vs Los Angeles Rams?
C. Palmer (Arizona Cardinals) led the game in total EPA with +7.34 on passing plays. across 41 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-10.25 EPA): (8:15) (Shotgun) 14-S.Mannion pass short right intended for 10-P.Cooper INTERCEPTED by 28-J.Bethel at ARI 34. 28-J.Bethel for 66 yards, TOUCHDOWN.. The biggest win-probability swing was -23.8%.
Season records after this game
Arizona Cardinals
Entered 6-8 Now 7-8 W
Los Angeles Rams
Entered 4-11 Now 4-12 L
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