When the Los Angeles Rams vs Arizona Cardinals matchup hits the schedule, fans know they’re in for a divisional battle stacked with intensity, explosive plays, and standout player performances. Whether it’s a must-win game in the NFC West, a late-season playoff push, or just another chapter in this heated rivalry, every meeting delivers storylines, momentum shifts, and top-tier individual stats worth diving into.

This full breakdown explores player stats, performances, drive-by-drive impact plays, offensive and defensive highlights, and the moments that shaped the game. Designed for fans, analysts, fantasy football players, and anyone who wants a deeper understanding of how the Rams and Cardinals match up, this article gives you everything you need, from quarterback efficiency to rushing totals, defensive havoc, special teams execution, and what the numbers truly tell us.

The Intensity of a Rams vs Cardinals Matchup

Divisional games always hit differently, but Rams–Cardinals matchups bring a unique blend of contrast:

• The Rams’ smooth, creative offense vs the Cardinals’ aggressive defensive looks
• The chess match between Sean McVay’s play-calling and Arizona’s attempts to contain it
• Big-play receivers attacking secondaries that are often tested deep
• Defensive lines built to disrupt the pocket and stop mobile quarterbacks

No matter the season, the matchup produces standout player stats that reflect the high-stakes energy of the NFC West.

Quarterback Player Stats: A Closer Look

Quarterbacks shape the entire flow of Rams vs Cardinals games. Whether it’s Matthew Stafford distributing the ball with veteran precision or the Cardinals leaning on their own quarterback’s mobility and improvisation, the numbers tell a clear story of pressure, explosiveness, and decision-making under fire.

Matthew Stafford’s Performance: Command, Timing, and Accuracy

In a typical Los Angeles Rams vs Arizona Cardinals meeting, Matthew Stafford tends to deliver one of his sharpest divisional performances. His stats often reflect:

• Passing Yards: 250–340 yards
• Completion %: 63–70%
• Touchdowns: 2–4 passing TDs
• Interceptions: 0–1
• Yards per Attempt: 7.4–9.5 YPA

Stafford’s ability to stretch the field vertically is key. Whether he’s threading tight windows or hitting rhythm throws off play-action, his stats consistently improve when the Cardinals bring blitz-heavy pressure.

Where Stafford Most Affects the Game

1. Middle-of-the-field throws: Stafford thrives against Arizona’s rotating coverages.
2. Red-zone precision: His chemistry with tight ends and slot receivers often leads to red-zone success.
3. Third-down decision-making: The Cards often send extra rushers; Stafford’s quick reads show up in conversion stats.

When Stafford is in sync, the Rams’ offense becomes unpredictable, explosive, and extremely hard to defend.

Arizona’s Quarterback Performance: Mobility and Dual-Threat Production

The Cardinals’ QB, often a dynamic dual-threat, produces stats that contrast Stafford’s pocket-driven style. Whether it’s a 200+ yard passing day paired with 40–80 yards rushing or improvised big plays outside the pocket, the Arizona quarterback’s stats highlight:

• Passing Yards: 180–250
• Completion %: 60–67%
• Passing TDs: 1–2
• Rushing Yards: 30–70
• Explosive Plays: 3–6 plays of 15+ yards

This mobility forces the Rams to deploy linebacker spies, adjust pass-rush lanes, and rely heavily on safety discipline. Even when the passing game is contained, the QB’s scrambling adds to the overall yardage and keeps drives alive.

Key Factors Behind Cardinals QB Stats

• Designed rollout throws
• Scramble-drill chemistry with receivers
• Quick throws vs Rams interior pressure
• Read-option elements to slow the defensive line

Quarterback play remains the Cardinals’ swing factor in this rivalry, and their stats reflect high effort, high movement, and constant improvisation.

Rams vs Cardinals Running Game Stats

The ground game is often overlooked, yet it’s one of the biggest stat drivers in these matchups.

Los Angeles Rams Rushing Stats: Balanced but Explosive

The Rams frequently rely on a zone-running scheme that tests Arizona’s lateral speed. Their typical RB stats vs the Cardinals look like:

• RB1 Rushing Yards: 65–110
• Yards Per Carry: 4.2–5.7
• Rushing TDs: 1–2
• Explosive Runs: 2+ runs of 10–20 yards

The strength of the Rams’ rushing stats comes from:

• Well-designed cutback lanes
• Wide-zone stretch runs that force linebackers to overcommit
• Play-action complementing the ground game
• Pass-catching ability from the backfield

When LA controls the run game, time of possession swings heavily in their favor.

Arizona Cardinals Rushing Stats: Physical Inside Runs & QB Mobility

Arizona’s rushing stats are more varied:

• RB1 Rushing Yards: 50–85
• RB2 Rushing Yards: 15–35
• QB Scramble Yards: 30–70
• Rushing TDs: 1–2 combined

The Cardinals rely on:

• Inside-zone power runs
• QB keepers
• Short-yardage physicality
• Tempo shifts to catch the Rams off-balance

Against a strong Rams front, Arizona’s run stats often depend on controlling early downs rather than explosive yardage.

Receiver & Skill Player Stats: The Stars Take Over

Rams vs Cardinals games are often defined by their receivers and playmakers. Big plays, mismatches, and yards after catch are constant themes.

Los Angeles Rams Receiving Stats: Precision, Creativity & Explosiveness

The Rams consistently post strong receiving stats, especially from their top playmakers.

Top Receiver Stats in a Typical Matchup

• WR1 Receiving Yards: 90–140
• WR2 Receiving Yards: 50–90
• TE1 Stats: 40–70 yards, red-zone targets
• Yards After Catch (YAC): 50+ for the team
• Receiving TDs: 1–3

Rams receivers excel against Arizona’s shifting coverage:

• Crossers and intermediate dig routes
• Motion-based mismatches
• Slot receivers exploiting soft zones
• Deep shots vs single-high blitz looks

The Rams’ passing-game stats usually climb rapidly in the second half when adjustments kick in.

Arizona Cardinals Receiving Stats: Underrated Production

The Cardinals often post steady, efficient receiving stats:

• WR1 Receiving Yards: 70–110
• WR2 Receiving Yards: 35–70
• TE Stats: 15–45 yards
• Explosive Pass Plays: 3–5
• Possession Downs: Strong on 3rd-and-short

Arizona’s receivers lean on:

• Intermediate routes
• Quick outs
• Scramble-drill conversions
• Slot vs linebacker mismatches

Their stats may not always be glamorous, but they are effective and keep drives alive.

Defensive Stats: Pressure, Tackles & Turnovers

Defense shapes every NFC West battle, especially in a matchup known for aggressive fronts and heavy blitzing.

Los Angeles Rams Defensive Stats: Pressure & Disruption

Even after major roster shifts in recent years, the Rams’ defense remains a disruptive force.

Typical Rams defensive stats:

• Sacks: 3–6
• QB Hits: 7–12
• Tackles for Loss: 4–7
• Pass Breakups: 5–9
• Turnovers: 1–2 (INT or forced fumble)

The Rams thrive on collapsing the pocket, especially with interior pressure. Their physical corners also break up timing routes, forcing Arizona into difficult down-and-distance situations.

Impact Players Who Shape Rams Defensive Stats

• Edge rushers creating outside pressure
• Interior linemen disrupting run lanes
• Linebackers spying the QB
• Safeties taking away deep shots

The Rams’ defensive numbers often spike in the fourth quarter when their conditioning and rotation pay off.

Arizona Cardinals Defensive Stats: High-Effort, High-Variability

Arizona’s defense leans on creativity and effort, producing stats that can swing dramatically depending on game flow.

Common Cardinals defensive performance metrics:

• Sacks: 2–4
• QB Hits: 5–8
• TFLs: 3–6
• Pass Breakups: 4–7
• Turnovers: 1–2

Arizona’s defensive identity revolves around:

• Blitz-heavy schemes
• Crowded passing lanes
• Forcing quarterbacks off their spot
• Tight coverage on deep routes

Stats improve dramatically when they force the Rams into long third downs.

Special Teams Stats: Hidden Yardage That Shapes the Game

Special teams frequently decide field position in Rams vs Cardinals games.

Los Angeles Rams Special Teams Stats

• Field Goals: 1–3 made
• Extra Points: Nearly perfect
• Punt Average: 45–52 yards
• Kick Return Yards: 20–60
• Punt Return Yards: 15–40

The Rams’ special teams often tilt momentum by flipping the field.

Arizona Cardinals Special Teams Stats

• Field Goals: 1–2 made
• Punting: 44–50 yards
• Kick Return Production: 15–50 yards
• Coverage Units: High-energy, limiting big plays

Arizona’s special teams thrive on discipline and preventing explosive returns.

Drive-By-Drive Impact: How Player Stats Build the Game’s Narrative

A Rams vs Cardinals match usually follows a pattern where:

1. The Rams Start Fast Through the Air

Stafford establishes rhythm early.
Receiving stats spike in the first quarter.

2. Arizona Responds With Mobility

QB scrambles, option plays, and underneath routes build momentum.

3. Defensive Adjustments Tighten the Game

Both teams begin trading stops.
Sack stats and QB hits increase.

4. Explosive Plays Decide the Second Half

One deep throw, one big run, or one turnover often flips everything.

5. Fourth Quarter: Efficiency Wins

The team with better:

• Third-down stats
• Red-zone conversions
• Defensive pressure

usually closes out the game.

Fantasy Football Impact of Rams vs Cardinals Player Stats

Fantasy managers always pay attention to this matchup because of its high-scoring nature.

Rams Fantasy Standouts

• WR1 regularly posts WR1 numbers
• Stafford delivers high-QB2 or QB1 output
• RB1 often posts top-10 weekly stats

Cardinals Fantasy Standouts

• QB’s rushing yards boost his floor
• WR1 is a strong performer vs soft zones
• RB1 provides steady RB2 production

This matchup is often a fantasy goldmine.

Statistical Trends Across Multiple Rams vs Cardinals Games

Over the last few seasons, the stats show consistent trends:

Rams Offensive Trends

• High passing yardage
• Strong YAC numbers
• 25+ points in many matchups

Cardinals Offensive Trends

• QB mobility remains the wildcard
• Run game varies but contributes
• Efficiency improves late in the game

Defensive Trends

• Rams win the sack battle
• Cardinals generate opportunistic turnovers
• Both teams struggle to stop explosive plays

These trends shape not just box scores but the overall style and intensity of the game.

What the Player Stats Reveal About the Future of the Matchup

As both teams evolve — with new rookies, emerging stars, coaching adjustments, and shifting roster identities — the player stats from these games will continue to show:

• The Rams leaning on offensive creativity and rhythm
• The Cardinals leaning on mobility, tempo, and improvisation
• Defensive fronts deciding momentum
• Big-play receivers impacting outcomes
• Quarterback efficiency shaping the final score

The numbers don’t lie, this is one of the NFC West’s most exciting, unpredictable, and stat-packed rivalries.