The Rams close out their season and time at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum hosting the Cardinals on Sunday.
In advance of the contest, here's an early look at Arizona, including notable additions, their top statistical performers in their most recent game, where they rank in certain statistical categories as well as key storylines and what they mean for L.A.
Notable additions
- Traded for RB Kenyan Drake in October. Acquired from the Dolphins in exchange for a conditional 2020 draft pick, Drake has 46 carries for 303 yards and six touchdowns over his last two games. Overall, he has 111 carries for 583 yards and seven touchdowns in seven games with the Cardinals after 47 carries for 174 yards and zero touchdowns in six games with the Dolphins.
- Drafted QB Kyler Murray No. 1 overall in April. The former Oklahoma standout is the Cardinals' leading passer (3,397 yards) and second-leading rusher (544) so far this season.
Top performers in Week 16
Murray completed 11 of 18 pass attempts for 118 yards and one touchdown in a 27-13 win over the Seattle Seahawks. He exited the game late in the first half with a hamstring injury and did not return.
Drake led the backfield with 24 carries for 166 yards and two touchdowns, all game highs, adding three receptions for 18 yards.
WR Larry Fitzgerald led all Cardinals receivers with four receptions for 48 yards and one touchdown.
Defensively, linebacker Budda Baker led the way with six total tackles.
On special teams, kicker Zane Gonzalez made two of three field goal attempts and all three of his extra point attempts.
Rankings
Offense
- Points Per Game: 17th (22.5)
- Yards Per Game: 22nd (338.3)
- Passing Yards Per Game: 24th (210.3)
- Rushing Yards Per Game: 9th (127.9)
Defense
- Points Allowed Per Game: 28th (27.4)
- Yards Allowed Per Game: 31st (400.5)
- Passing Yards Allowed Per Game: 31st (279.9)
- Rushing Yards Allowed Per Game: 25th (120.6)
Early storylines to watch, and what they mean for the Rams
When the two teams met in Week 13, it was unclear how the backfield carries would shake out with Drake, David Johnson and Chase Edmonds all healthy and available for the Cardinals for the first time this season. Drake has since cemented the role of Arizona's No. 1 running back, and he's done so in dominating fashion as the aforementioned stats indicated.
The Rams' run defense bounced back from a disappointing performance against the Cowboys by holding the 49ers' rushing attack mostly in check, but it will undoubtedly be tested once again by Drake.
There's also the status of Murray as he deals with his hamstring injury. Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury told Arizona reporters on Monday that Murray is "day-to-day," and on Tuesday he said it is still unknown whether Murray or backup Brett Hundley will start against the Rams, according to AZCardinals.com's Kyle Odegard.
