Game story
In Week 16 of the 2023 NFL season on 2023-12-21, the Los Angeles Rams took care of business against the New Orleans Saints, pulling away with a 30–22 final that built a comfortable lead.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 23 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
D. Carr (New Orleans Saints) paced the passing game, with +1.44 total EPA, and -3.0% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, M. Stafford (Los Angeles Rams) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +16.93 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-10.3% win probability) landed in the second quarter when New Orleans Saints changed the game: (1:00) (Shotgun) 4-D.Carr pass incomplete deep left to 83-J.Johnson.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans Saints | 0 | 7 | 0 | 15 | 0 | 22 |
| Los Angeles Rams | 7 | 16 | 10 | 3 | 0 | 30 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 M. Stafford · Los Angeles Rams · Passing · +16.93 total EPA · 36 snaps · +0.47 EPA/play
- 2 P. Nacua · Los Angeles Rams · Receiving · +14.62 total EPA · 11 snaps · +1.33 EPA/play
- 3 D. Robinson · Los Angeles Rams · Receiving · +8.02 total EPA · 6 snaps · +1.34 EPA/play
- 4 C. Olave · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +5.05 total EPA · 14 snaps · +0.36 EPA/play
- 5 A. Perry · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +3.61 total EPA · 1 snaps · +3.61 EPA/play
- 6 R. Shaheed · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +3.41 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.38 EPA/play
- 7 T. Higbee · Los Angeles Rams · Receiving · +1.52 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.51 EPA/play
- 8 D. Carr · New Orleans Saints · Passing · +1.44 total EPA · 44 snaps · +0.03 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
M. Stafford — LA · Passing
M. Stafford posted the highest total EPA (+16.93) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Los Angeles Rams's efficiency. Across 36 counted snaps, they averaged +0.47 EPA per play.
The signature play (+4.85 EPA) came from New Orleans Saints: (2:34) 4-D.Carr pass deep middle to 22-R.Shaheed for 45 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Los Angeles Rams — P. Nacua (M. Stafford pass)
- New Orleans Saints — R. Shaheed (D. Carr pass)
- Los Angeles Rams — D. Robinson (M. Stafford pass)
- Los Angeles Rams — K. Williams
- New Orleans Saints — J. Johnson (D. Carr pass)
- New Orleans Saints — A. Perry (D. Carr pass)
Field goals
- Los Angeles Rams — L. Havrisik
- Los Angeles Rams — L. Havrisik
- Los Angeles Rams — L. Havrisik
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 7–0. Los Angeles Rams found the end zone from the NO 2 (Q1 47:32) — (2:32) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short right to 17-P.Nacua for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Rams added 1 points from the NO 15 (Q1 47:28) — 8-L.Havrisik extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Tinker, Holder-42-E.Evans..
The second quarter: Los Angeles Rams won the period 16–7. Los Angeles Rams connected on a field goal from the NO 2 (Q2 40:26) — (10:26) 8-L.Havrisik 20 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Tinker, Holder-42-E.Evans.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the LA 45 (Q2 32:34) — (2:34) 4-D.Carr pass deep middle to 22-R.Shaheed for 45 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the LA 15 (Q2 32:28) — 19-B.Grupe extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-39-L.Hedley.; Los Angeles Rams found the end zone from the NO 4 (Q2 30:25) — (:25) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short middle to 15-D.Robinson for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Rams found the end zone from the NO 15 (Q2 30:21) — 8-L.Havrisik extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Tinker, Holder-42-E.Evans..
The third quarter: Los Angeles Rams won the period 10–0. Los Angeles Rams connected on a field goal from the NO 3 (Q3 26:14) — (11:14) 8-L.Havrisik 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Tinker, Holder-42-E.Evans.; Los Angeles Rams found the end zone from the NO 10 (Q3 20:47) — (5:47) (Shotgun) 23-K.Williams left guard for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Rams added 1 points from the NO 15 (Q3 20:42) — 8-L.Havrisik extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Tinker, Holder-42-E.Evans..
The fourth quarter: New Orleans Saints won the period 15–3. Los Angeles Rams connected on a field goal from the NO 13 (Q4 12:47) — (12:47) 8-L.Havrisik 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Tinker, Holder-42-E.Evans.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the LA 5 (Q4 6:38) — (6:38) (Shotgun) 4-D.Carr pass short left to 83-J.Johnson for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the LA 15 (Q4 6:33) — 19-B.Grupe extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-39-L.Hedley.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the LA 35 (Q4 3:59) — (3:59) (Shotgun) 4-D.Carr pass deep left to 17-A.Perry for 35 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New Orleans Saints registered a safety from the LA 2 (Q4 3:53) — TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 4-D.Carr pass to 12-C.Olave is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- New Orleans Saints (Q2 31:00) — (1:00) (Shotgun) 4-D.Carr pass incomplete deep left to 83-J.Johnson.
- New Orleans Saints (Q2 32:34) — (2:34) 4-D.Carr pass deep middle to 22-R.Shaheed for 45 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Los Angeles Rams (Q1 47:32) — (2:32) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short right to 17-P.Nacua for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- New Orleans Saints (Q1 56:16) — (11:16) (Shotgun) 4-D.Carr sacked at LA 37 for -6 yards (53-E.Jones).
- New Orleans Saints (Q3 23:38) — (8:38) (Shotgun) 4-D.Carr pass deep right intended for 83-J.Johnson INTERCEPTED by 4-J.Fuller (53-E.Jones) at LA 38. 4-J.Fuller to NO 41 for 21 yards (41-A.Kamara; 4-D.Carr).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- New Orleans Saints (Q2 32:34) — (2:34) 4-D.Carr pass deep middle to 22-R.Shaheed for 45 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- New Orleans Saints (Q3 23:38) — (8:38) (Shotgun) 4-D.Carr pass deep right intended for 83-J.Johnson INTERCEPTED by 4-J.Fuller (53-E.Jones) at LA 38. 4-J.Fuller to NO 41 for 21 yards (41-A.Kamara; 4-D.Carr).
- Los Angeles Rams (Q1 47:32) — (2:32) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short right to 17-P.Nacua for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Los Angeles Rams (Q2 33:57) — (3:57) 8-L.Havrisik 47 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Left, Center-46-C.Tinker, Holder-42-E.Evans.
Quarterback report card
D.Carr led all passers in efficiency for New Orleans Saints, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- D.Carr (New Orleans Saints) · 44 dropbacks · 61.4% completion · -3.0% CPOE · +0.03 EPA/play · +1.44 total EPA
- M.Stafford (Los Angeles Rams) · 36 dropbacks · 66.7% completion · +7.6% CPOE · +0.47 EPA/play · +16.93 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | New Orleans Saints | Los Angeles Rams |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.069 | +0.060 |
| Offensive success rate | 33.3% | 47.7% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.033 | +0.470 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.359 | -0.103 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.060 | +0.069 |
| Defensive success rate | 52.3% | 66.7% |
By the numbers
Los Angeles Rams held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.06 vs -0.07), even if the scoreboard told a different story.
- Los Angeles Rams: 10 drives, +5.17 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
- New Orleans Saints: 10 drives, -4.94 total EPA, 3 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.
- M. Stafford (Los Angeles Rams) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- M. Stafford (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.
- Los Angeles Rams TD (+6) — Q1 47:32 · NO 2 · Score 0-6
(2:32) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short right to 17-P.Nacua for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Rams XP (+1) — Q1 47:28 · NO 15 · Score 0-7
8-L.Havrisik extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Tinker, Holder-42-E.Evans. - Los Angeles Rams FG (+3) — Q2 40:26 · NO 2 · Score 0-10
(10:26) 8-L.Havrisik 20 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Tinker, Holder-42-E.Evans. - New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q2 32:34 · LA 45 · Score 6-10
(2:34) 4-D.Carr pass deep middle to 22-R.Shaheed for 45 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q2 32:28 · LA 15 · Score 7-10
19-B.Grupe extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-39-L.Hedley. - Los Angeles Rams TD (+6) — Q2 30:25 · NO 4 · Score 7-16
(:25) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short middle to 15-D.Robinson for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Rams TD (+7) — Q2 30:21 · NO 15 · Score 7-17
8-L.Havrisik extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Tinker, Holder-42-E.Evans. - Los Angeles Rams FG (+3) — Q3 26:14 · NO 3 · Score 7-20
(11:14) 8-L.Havrisik 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Tinker, Holder-42-E.Evans. - Los Angeles Rams TD (+6) — Q3 20:47 · NO 10 · Score 7-26
(5:47) (Shotgun) 23-K.Williams left guard for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Rams XP (+1) — Q3 20:42 · NO 15 · Score 7-27
8-L.Havrisik extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Tinker, Holder-42-E.Evans. - Los Angeles Rams FG (+3) — Q4 12:47 · NO 13 · Score 7-30
(12:47) 8-L.Havrisik 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Tinker, Holder-42-E.Evans. - New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q4 6:38 · LA 5 · Score 13-30
(6:38) (Shotgun) 4-D.Carr pass short left to 83-J.Johnson for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q4 6:33 · LA 15 · Score 14-30
19-B.Grupe extra point is GOOD, Center-49-Z.Wood, Holder-39-L.Hedley. - New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q4 3:59 · LA 35 · Score 20-30
(3:59) (Shotgun) 4-D.Carr pass deep left to 17-A.Perry for 35 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New Orleans Saints Safety (+2) — Q4 3:53 · LA 2 · Score 22-30
TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 4-D.Carr pass to 12-C.Olave is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
Frequently asked questions
Who won New Orleans Saints vs Los Angeles Rams?
The Los Angeles Rams beat the New Orleans Saints 30-22 in Week 16, 2023 on 2023-12-21.
What was the final score of New Orleans Saints vs Los Angeles Rams?
The final score was New Orleans Saints 22, Los Angeles Rams 30 (NO 22-30 LA) in Week 16, 2023 on 2023-12-21.
What was the score by quarter in New Orleans Saints vs Los Angeles Rams?
Q1: New Orleans Saints 0, Los Angeles Rams 7; Q2: New Orleans Saints 7, Los Angeles Rams 16; Q3: New Orleans Saints 0, Los Angeles Rams 10; Q4: New Orleans Saints 15, Los Angeles Rams 3; Final: New Orleans Saints 22, Los Angeles Rams 30.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in New Orleans Saints vs Los Angeles Rams?
Los Angeles Rams touchdown — P. Nacua (M. Stafford pass) (Q1 47:32) New Orleans Saints touchdown — R. Shaheed (D. Carr pass) (Q2 32:34) Los Angeles Rams touchdown — D. Robinson (M. Stafford pass) (Q2 30:25) Los Angeles Rams touchdown — K. Williams (Q3 20:47) New Orleans Saints touchdown — J. Johnson (D. Carr pass) (Q4 6:38) New Orleans Saints touchdown — A. Perry (D. Carr pass) (Q4 3:59) Los Angeles Rams field goal — L. Havrisik (Q2 40:26, 3 pts) Los Angeles Rams field goal — L. Havrisik (Q3 26:14, 3 pts) Los Angeles Rams field goal — L. Havrisik (Q4 12:47, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in New Orleans Saints vs Los Angeles Rams?
D. Carr (New Orleans Saints), 61.4% completion, -3.0% CPOE, +0.03 EPA per dropback, +1.44 total passing EPA. M. Stafford (Los Angeles Rams), 66.7% completion, +7.6% CPOE, +0.47 EPA per dropback, +16.93 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in New Orleans Saints vs Los Angeles Rams?
M. Stafford (Los Angeles Rams) led the game in total EPA with +16.93 on passing plays. across 36 snaps. The top single-play swing was (+4.85 EPA): (2:34) 4-D.Carr pass deep middle to 22-R.Shaheed for 45 yards, TOUCHDOWN.. The biggest win-probability swing was -10.3%.
Season records after this game
New Orleans Saints
Entered 7-7 Now 7-8 L
Los Angeles Rams
Entered 7-7 Now 8-7 W
Fantasy · fantasyhq.co
