Game story
In Week 16 of the 2018 NFL season on 2018-12-23, the Los Angeles Rams took care of business against the Arizona Cardinals, pulling away with a 31–9 final that controlled the game from start to finish.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 20 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
J. Rosen (Arizona Cardinals) paced the passing game, with -7.00 total EPA, and -16.3% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, C. Anderson (Los Angeles Rams) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +9.98 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-18.6% win probability) landed in the opening quarter when Los Angeles Rams changed the game: (12:12) (Shotgun) 16-J.Goff sacked at LA 49 for -11 yards (91-B.Mayowa). FUMBLES (91-B.Mayowa) [91-B.Mayowa], RECOVERED by ARI-20-D.Bucannon at LA 45. 20-D.Bucannon to LA 41 for 4 yards (35-C.Anderson
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Rams | 7 | 14 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 31 |
| Arizona Cardinals | 3 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 C. Anderson · Los Angeles Rams · Rushing · +9.98 total EPA · 20 snaps · +0.50 EPA/play
- 2 T. Sherfield · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +8.01 total EPA · 6 snaps · +1.33 EPA/play
- 3 R. Woods · Los Angeles Rams · Receiving · +7.03 total EPA · 7 snaps · +1.00 EPA/play
- 4 J. Goff · Los Angeles Rams · Passing · +5.13 total EPA · 28 snaps · +0.18 EPA/play
- 5 M. Glennon · Arizona Cardinals · Passing · +3.73 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.53 EPA/play
- 6 B. Cooks · Los Angeles Rams · Rushing · +3.32 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.11 EPA/play
- 7 J. Reynolds · Los Angeles Rams · Receiving · +3.28 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.64 EPA/play
- 8 L. Fitzgerald · Arizona Cardinals · Passing · +3.09 total EPA · 1 snaps · +3.09 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
C. Anderson — LA · Rushing
C. Anderson posted the highest total EPA (+9.98) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Los Angeles Rams's efficiency. Across 20 counted snaps, they averaged +0.50 EPA per play.
The signature play (-7.00 EPA) came from Los Angeles Rams: (12:12) (Shotgun) 16-J.Goff sacked at LA 49 for -11 yards (91-B.Mayowa). FUMBLES (91-B.Mayowa) [91-B.Mayowa], RECOVERED by ARI-20-D.Bucannon at LA 45. 20-D.Bucannon to LA 41 for 4 yards (35-C.Anderson).
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Los Angeles Rams — R. Woods
- Los Angeles Rams — J. Goff
- Arizona Cardinals — L. Fitzgerald (L. Fitzgerald pass)
- Los Angeles Rams — C. Anderson
- Los Angeles Rams — R. Woods (J. Goff pass)
Field goals
- Arizona Cardinals — Z. Gonzalez
- 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 opening quarter: Los Angeles Rams won the period 7–3. Arizona Cardinals connected on a field goal from the LA 18 (Q1 52:11) — (7:11) 5-Z.Gonzalez 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-2-A.Lee.; Los Angeles Rams found the end zone from the ARI 4 (Q1 49:03) — (4:03) 17-R.Woods right end for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Rams added 1 points from the ARI 15 (Q1 48:59) — 4-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker..
The second quarter: Los Angeles Rams won the period 14–6. Los Angeles Rams found the end zone from the ARI 1 (Q2 41:59) — (11:59) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 16-J.Goff right tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Rams added 1 points from the ARI 15 (Q2 41:56) — 4-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.; Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the LA 32 (Q2 39:47) — (9:47) 3-J.Rosen backwards pass to 11-L.Fitzgerald. 11-L.Fitzgerald pass deep right to 31-D.Johnson for 32 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Rams found the end zone from the ARI 4 (Q2 32:15) — (2:15) 35-C.Anderson up the middle for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Rams added 1 points from the ARI 15 (Q2 32:10) — 4-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker..
The third quarter: Los Angeles Rams won the period 3–0. Los Angeles Rams connected on a field goal from the ARI 3 (Q3 20:41) — (5:41) 4-G.Zuerlein 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker..
The fourth quarter: Los Angeles Rams won the period 7–0. Los Angeles Rams found the end zone from the ARI 39 (Q4 9:27) — (9:27) 16-J.Goff pass deep right to 17-R.Woods for 39 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Rams added 1 points from the ARI 15 (Q4 9:19) — 4-G.Zuerlein extra point 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 (Q1 57:12) — (12:12) (Shotgun) 16-J.Goff sacked at LA 49 for -11 yards (91-B.Mayowa). FUMBLES (91-B.Mayowa) [91-B.Mayowa], RECOVERED by ARI-20-D.Bucannon at LA 45. 20-D.Bucannon to LA 41 for 4 yards (35-C.Anderson
- Arizona Cardinals (Q2 39:47) — (9:47) 3-J.Rosen backwards pass to 11-L.Fitzgerald. 11-L.Fitzgerald pass deep right to 31-D.Johnson for 32 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Los Angeles Rams (Q1 51:27) — (6:27) 12-B.Cooks right end ran ob at LA 48 for 17 yards (33-T.Boston). PENALTY on ARI-33-T.Boston, Lowering the Head to Initiate Contact, 15 yards, enforced at LA 48.
- Los Angeles Rams (Q2 30:04) — (:04) (Field Goal formation) 4-G.Zuerlein 57 yard field goal is No Good, Hit Left Upright, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.
- Los Angeles Rams (Q1 50:20) — (5:20) (Shotgun) 16-J.Goff pass short left to 17-R.Woods to ARI 20 for 11 yards (20-D.Bucannon).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Los Angeles Rams (Q1 57:12) — (12:12) (Shotgun) 16-J.Goff sacked at LA 49 for -11 yards (91-B.Mayowa). FUMBLES (91-B.Mayowa) [91-B.Mayowa], RECOVERED by ARI-20-D.Bucannon at LA 45. 20-D.Bucannon to LA 41 for 4 yards (35-C.Anderson
- Arizona Cardinals (Q4 2:58) — (2:58) (No Huddle) 31-D.Johnson up the middle to LA 10 for no gain (52-R.Wilson, 37-S.Shields). Arizona challenged the short of the line to gain ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the fiel
- Arizona Cardinals (Q4 14:11) — (14:11) (Punt formation) Direct snap to 29-C.Edmonds. 29-C.Edmonds right end pushed ob at ARI 45 for 20 yards (11-K.Hodge).
- Los Angeles Rams (Q4 9:27) — (9:27) 16-J.Goff pass deep right to 17-R.Woods for 39 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Quarterback report card
J.Rosen led all passers in efficiency for Arizona Cardinals, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- J.Rosen (Arizona Cardinals) · 32 dropbacks · 37.5% completion · -16.3% CPOE · -0.22 EPA/play · -7.00 total EPA
- J.Goff (Los Angeles Rams) · 28 dropbacks · 67.9% completion · +13.4% CPOE · +0.18 EPA/play · +5.13 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Los Angeles Rams | Arizona Cardinals |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.239 | -0.113 |
| Offensive success rate | 63.4% | 32.4% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.183 | -0.005 |
| Rush EPA/play | +0.384 | -0.344 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.113 | -0.239 |
| Defensive success rate | 67.6% | 36.6% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Los Angeles Rams generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.24 vs -0.11), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Arizona Cardinals: 9 drives, -7.99 total EPA, 2 scoring drives
- Los Angeles Rams: 10 drives, +19.61 total EPA, 5 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.
- C. Anderson (Los Angeles Rams) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- J. Rosen (ARI) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.
- J. Goff (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 FG (+3) — Q1 52:11 · LA 18 · Score 0-3
(7:11) 5-Z.Gonzalez 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-2-A.Lee. - Los Angeles Rams TD (+6) — Q1 49:03 · ARI 4 · Score 6-3
(4:03) 17-R.Woods right end for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Rams XP (+1) — Q1 48:59 · ARI 15 · Score 7-3
4-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker. - Los Angeles Rams TD (+6) — Q2 41:59 · ARI 1 · Score 13-3
(11:59) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 16-J.Goff right tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Rams XP (+1) — Q2 41:56 · ARI 15 · Score 14-3
4-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker. - Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q2 39:47 · LA 32 · Score 14-9
(9:47) 3-J.Rosen backwards pass to 11-L.Fitzgerald. 11-L.Fitzgerald pass deep right to 31-D.Johnson for 32 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Rams TD (+6) — Q2 32:15 · ARI 4 · Score 20-9
(2:15) 35-C.Anderson up the middle for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Rams XP (+1) — Q2 32:10 · ARI 15 · Score 21-9
4-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker. - Los Angeles Rams FG (+3) — Q3 20:41 · ARI 3 · Score 24-9
(5:41) 4-G.Zuerlein 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker. - Los Angeles Rams TD (+6) — Q4 9:27 · ARI 39 · Score 30-9
(9:27) 16-J.Goff pass deep right to 17-R.Woods for 39 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Rams XP (+1) — Q4 9:19 · ARI 15 · Score 31-9
4-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Los Angeles Rams vs Arizona Cardinals?
The Los Angeles Rams beat the Arizona Cardinals 31-9 in Week 16, 2018 on 2018-12-23.
What was the final score of Los Angeles Rams vs Arizona Cardinals?
The final score was Los Angeles Rams 31, Arizona Cardinals 9 (LA 31-9 ARI) in Week 16, 2018 on 2018-12-23.
What was the score by quarter in Los Angeles Rams vs Arizona Cardinals?
Q1: Los Angeles Rams 7, Arizona Cardinals 3; Q2: Los Angeles Rams 14, Arizona Cardinals 6; Q3: Los Angeles Rams 3, Arizona Cardinals 0; Q4: Los Angeles Rams 7, Arizona Cardinals 0; Final: Los Angeles Rams 31, Arizona Cardinals 9.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Los Angeles Rams vs Arizona Cardinals?
Los Angeles Rams touchdown — R. Woods (Q1 49:03) Los Angeles Rams touchdown — J. Goff (Q2 41:59) Arizona Cardinals touchdown — L. Fitzgerald (L. Fitzgerald pass) (Q2 39:47) Los Angeles Rams touchdown — C. Anderson (Q2 32:15) Los Angeles Rams touchdown — R. Woods (J. Goff pass) (Q4 9:27) Arizona Cardinals field goal — Z. Gonzalez (Q1 52:11, 3 pts) Los Angeles Rams field goal — G. Zuerlein (Q3 20:41, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Los Angeles Rams vs Arizona Cardinals?
J. Rosen (Arizona Cardinals), 37.5% completion, -16.3% CPOE, -0.22 EPA per dropback, -7.00 total passing EPA. J. Goff (Los Angeles Rams), 67.9% completion, +13.4% CPOE, +0.18 EPA per dropback, +5.13 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Los Angeles Rams vs Arizona Cardinals?
C. Anderson (Los Angeles Rams) led the game in total EPA with +9.98 on rushing plays. across 20 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-7.00 EPA): (12:12) (Shotgun) 16-J.Goff sacked at LA 49 for -11 yards (91-B.Mayowa). FUMBLES (91-B.Mayowa) [91-B.Mayowa], RECOVERED by ARI-20-D.Bucannon at LA 45. 20-D.Bucannon to LA 41 for 4 . The biggest win-probability swing was -18.6%.
Season records after this game
Los Angeles Rams
Entered 11-3 Now 12-3 W
Arizona Cardinals
Entered 3-11 Now 3-12 L
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