Arizona Cardinals vs Los Angeles Rams Match Player Stats
The arizona cardinals vs los angeles rams match player stats from the January 5, 2026 matchup tell a much more detailed story than the 37-20 final score alone. Los Angeles finished with the win, but the individual numbers show how both offenses produced useful stretches while the Rams created the bigger impact through passing efficiency, touchdowns, pressure, and takeaways.
The Week 18 NFC West meeting at SoFi Stadium ended with the Rams improving to 12-5 and the Cardinals finishing 3-14. The official NFL game center records the final score as Los Angeles 37, Arizona 20. (NFL)
For anyone researching player performance, fantasy football trends, team statistics, or the details behind the final result, this game offers several useful angles. Matthew Stafford threw four touchdown passes without an interception, Michael Wilson produced 99 receiving yards and a touchdown for Arizona, Puka Nacua caught 10 passes, and the Rams defense recorded six sacks.
This breakdown examines the major statistics, explains what they reveal about the game, and separates headline numbers from the deeper performance indicators that help explain why Los Angeles controlled the result.
Arizona Cardinals vs Los Angeles Rams Match Player Stats
The most important player statistics from the game are summarized below.
| Category | Arizona Cardinals | Los Angeles Rams |
| Final score | 20 | 37 |
| Record after game | 3-14 | 12-5 |
| Passing leader | Jacoby Brissett | Matthew Stafford |
| Passing yards | 243 | 259 |
| Passing TDs | 2 | 4 |
| Interceptions thrown | 1 | 0 |
| Team rushing yards | 79 | 143 |
| Leading receiver | Michael Wilson, 99 yards | Puka Nacua, 76 yards |
| Receiving TD leader | Michael Wilson, 1 | Colby Parkinson, 2 |
| Team receptions | 23 | 25 |
| Defensive sacks | 1 | 6 |
| Defensive interceptions | 0 | 1 |
| Field goals | 2/2 | 3/3 |
One important detail is that individual passing totals and team passing totals can differ slightly because of statistical treatment of sacks and other plays. That is why it is useful to look at the complete statistical picture instead of relying on one box-score number.
Final Score and Game Context
The Rams won 37-20, scoring in every quarter and finishing particularly strongly after halftime. Arizona scored 3 points in the first quarter, 3 in the second, 14 in the third, and none in the fourth. Los Angeles scored 3, 13, 7, and 14 points across the four quarters. (NFL)
That scoring pattern matters because the game was not simply a case of one team dominating every individual category.
Arizona generated 271 receiving yards and averaged 11.8 yards per reception as a team. Its rushing attack averaged 5.3 yards per carry. Those are respectable offensive figures.
The larger difference came from how efficiently Los Angeles converted its offensive opportunities into touchdowns.
The Rams produced four passing touchdowns. Arizona produced two. Los Angeles also created six sacks compared with Arizona’s one, and the Rams intercepted one pass while Arizona did not record an interception.
Those defensive plays changed the value of the offensive production on both sides.
Jacoby Brissett’s Passing Performance
Jacoby Brissett completed 22 of 31 passes for 243 yards, with two touchdowns and one interception.
His completion percentage was approximately 71.0%, which is a strong completion rate. He also averaged 7.8 yards per attempt according to the supplied game statistics.
However, the passing line has to be viewed alongside the six sacks for 33 yards credited against Arizona.
Brissett’s statistical profile included:
- 22 completions
- 31 attempts
- 243 passing yards
- 7.8 yards per attempt
- 2 touchdown passes
- 1 interception
- 6 sacks
- 33 sack yards
- 42.9 QBR
- 101.9 passer rating
The 101.9 passer rating is particularly interesting because it shows that the passing performance was not uniformly poor. Arizona moved the ball through the air and created several productive plays.
The problem was that the Rams defense consistently created negative plays.
Six sacks are difficult to overcome in any game. Even when a quarterback produces efficient completions, repeated losses of yardage can put an offense behind schedule and reduce the number of meaningful scoring opportunities.
Brissett and the Arizona Passing Game
Brissett was also responsible for Arizona’s offensive touchdown passes.
Michael Wilson caught one of them, while Josiah Deguara caught the other.
The passing game therefore had enough efficiency to produce 271 team receiving yards, but the Cardinals could not maintain that production consistently enough to keep pace with Los Angeles.
Matt Haack also completed his only pass attempt for 28 yards. That unusual contribution is included in the team statistics and helps explain why Arizona’s team passing line differs slightly from Brissett’s individual passing line.
Matthew Stafford’s Four-Touchdown Performance
Matthew Stafford delivered the most consequential individual passing performance of the game.
He completed 25 of 40 attempts for 259 yards, with four touchdowns and zero interceptions.
His statistical line was:
- 25 completions
- 40 attempts
- 259 passing yards
- 6.5 yards per attempt
- 4 touchdown passes
- 0 interceptions
- 1 sack
- 7 sack yards
- 85.5 QBR
- 114.5 passer rating
The most obvious difference between Stafford and Brissett was touchdown efficiency.
Stafford threw four touchdown passes on 40 attempts. Brissett threw two on 31 attempts.
Stafford also avoided an interception, while Arizona lost one possession through a Brissett interception.
That combination gave Los Angeles a much cleaner passing profile.
The Rams did not need Stafford to produce an enormous yardage total. Instead, they needed him to turn drives into touchdowns. He did exactly that.
Puka Nacua Leads the Rams in Receptions
Puka Nacua finished with 10 receptions for 76 yards and one touchdown.
His receiving statistics included:
- 10 receptions
- 11 targets
- 76 yards
- 7.6 yards per reception
- 1 touchdown
- 17-yard longest reception
Nacua’s 11 targets were the most on the Rams.
That target volume is significant because it shows how frequently he was involved in the passing game. Even without leading the team in receiving yards, he was a central part of Stafford’s offensive distribution.
Nacua also recorded two rushing attempts for 24 yards, giving him 100 combined receiving and rushing yards from scrimmage.
That makes his overall contribution larger than his receiving total alone suggests.
Tyler Higbee Produces a Big Receiving Game
Tyler Higbee was one of Stafford’s most productive targets.
He caught five passes for 91 yards and a touchdown on six targets.
His 18.2 yards per reception average was the highest among the Rams players with multiple receptions listed in the supplied statistics.
Higbee’s longest reception went for 22 yards.
A five-catch, 91-yard performance is particularly valuable because it combines volume with efficiency. He was not simply collecting short completions. His catches consistently generated meaningful yardage.
His touchdown also contributed directly to the Rams’ 37-point total.
Colby Parkinson Scores Twice
Colby Parkinson had one of the most efficient scoring performances of the game.
He caught four passes for 36 yards and scored two touchdowns on seven targets.
The 36-yard total is not especially large compared with some of the other receiving numbers, but the two touchdowns make his contribution highly important.
This is a useful reminder when evaluating football statistics: yardage leaders are not always the players who have the biggest effect on the scoreboard.
Parkinson converted his opportunities into two touchdowns, helping Stafford produce four passing scores without an interception.
Michael Wilson Was Arizona’s Top Receiver
Michael Wilson was Arizona’s leading receiver by yardage.
He recorded:
- 5 receptions
- 8 targets
- 99 yards
- 19.8 yards per reception
- 1 touchdown
- 43-yard longest reception
The 43-yard reception was the longest catch recorded by either team in the supplied statistics.
Wilson’s 99 receiving yards also represented more than one-third of Arizona’s 271 receiving yards.
His performance showed that Arizona was capable of producing explosive plays through the air.
The key issue was that one productive receiver could not completely offset the Rams’ advantages in touchdown production, defensive pressure, and turnovers.
Trey McBride’s Seven-Catch Performance
Trey McBride caught seven passes for 65 yards on eight targets.
His average was 9.3 yards per reception, with a long of 29 yards.
McBride did not score a touchdown, but his eight targets tied Wilson for the highest target total among Arizona receivers.
That level of involvement indicates that Arizona relied heavily on both Wilson and McBride in the passing game.
Together, they accounted for 12 receptions and 164 yards.
That means the pair generated more than 60% of Arizona’s 271 receiving yards.
Arizona’s Receiving Distribution
Arizona’s passing attack was not limited to two players.
The other contributors included:
- Emari Demercado: 1 reception, 28 yards
- Elijah Higgins: 3 receptions, 28 yards
- Michael Carter: 3 receptions, 21 yards
- Josiah Deguara: 2 receptions, 15 yards and 1 touchdown
- Corey Kiner: 2 receptions, 15 yards
The Cardinals finished with 23 receptions for 271 yards and two touchdowns.
That is a productive receiving total, particularly considering the final score.
The bigger question is efficiency in scoring situations. Arizona gained yards, but Los Angeles converted its passing production into four touchdowns.
Rams Rushing Attack Adds 143 Yards
The Rams finished with 143 rushing yards on 31 carries, averaging 4.6 yards per carry.
Kyren Williams led the backfield with 12 carries for 60 yards.
Blake Corum followed closely with 13 carries for 59 yards.
Their combined numbers were:
- 25 carries
- 119 yards
- 4.8 yards per carry
That gave Los Angeles a balanced rushing contribution even though neither back scored a rushing touchdown.
Puka Nacua added 24 yards on two carries, while Stafford contributed three rushing yards.
The Rams therefore did not need to rely exclusively on Stafford’s passing.
That balance matters because it makes it harder for a defense to concentrate entirely on stopping one phase of the offense.
Kyren Williams Provides Balance
Williams averaged exactly 5.0 yards per carry, with a long run of 22 yards.
He also caught three passes for 21 yards on five targets.
That gave him 81 total yards from scrimmage.
His role was therefore not limited to rushing. He also contributed as a receiving option out of the backfield.
For the Rams, that type of dual-threat running back usage helped maintain offensive flexibility.
Blake Corum Nearly Matches Williams
Blake Corum carried the ball 13 times for 59 yards, averaging 4.5 yards per carry.
His longest run went for 21 yards.
Corum also caught one pass for 10 yards.
His 69 total yards from scrimmage complemented Williams’ workload and allowed Los Angeles to maintain a two-back rushing rotation.
The combined production from Williams and Corum was one of the quiet strengths of the Rams’ offensive performance.
Arizona’s Running Game
Arizona ran the ball only 15 times for 79 yards.
That produced a strong 5.3 yards per carry average, although the overall volume was much lower than Los Angeles’ 31 rushing attempts.
Emari Demercado was especially efficient on limited opportunities.
He carried twice for 29 yards, averaging 14.5 yards per attempt, with a long run of 18 yards.
Brissett added 19 yards on three carries.
Michael Carter carried seven times for 18 yards, while Corey Kiner added 13 yards on three carries.
The Cardinals therefore averaged more yards per carry than the Rams, but Los Angeles ran the ball more than twice as often.
This is a useful example of why rushing average should not be viewed independently from rushing volume.
The Defensive Difference
The most important defensive statistic may have been the sack total.
Arizona recorded one sack.
Los Angeles recorded six.
That five-sack difference represents a major advantage for the Rams.
Los Angeles also produced:
- 52 total tackles
- 40 solo tackles
- 6 sacks
- 7 tackles for loss
- 3 passes defended
- 12 quarterback hits
- 1 interception
Arizona recorded:
- 75 total tackles
- 39 solo tackles
- 1 sack
- 4 tackles for loss
- 4 passes defended
- 4 quarterback hits
- 0 interceptions
The tackle totals should not be interpreted as a simple measure of defensive quality. A defense can accumulate tackles because it spends more time on the field or because opponents complete many plays.
The more revealing numbers here are the quarterback hits, sacks, and interception.
Los Angeles generated substantially more pressure and also created the only defensive interception listed in the game data.
Ahkello Witherspoon Records the Interception
Ahkello Witherspoon recorded the Rams’ only interception.
He finished with one interception and zero return yards.
Arizona had no interceptions.
The turnover margin therefore favored Los Angeles.
Arizona also had one lost fumble by Brissett, while the Rams recovered a fumble credited to Kobie Turner.
Turnovers and defensive pressure are especially important when two teams are capable of generating solid passing statistics.
The Rams did not simply gain an advantage through offensive yardage. They also created extra difficulty for Arizona through disruptive defensive plays.
Special Teams and Kicking Statistics
Arizona kicker Chad Ryland was perfect on field goals and extra points.
He made:
- 2 of 2 field goals
- 2 of 2 extra points
- 8 total points
- Long field goal of 56 yards
That 56-yard field goal was the longest made field goal recorded in the game.
For Los Angeles, Harrison Mevis also finished perfectly.
He made:
- 3 of 3 field goals
- 4 of 4 extra points
- 13 total points
- Long field goal of 42 yards
Mevis scored 13 points, making him an important contributor to the Rams’ 37-point total.
Neither team suffered from missed field goals or missed extra points according to the supplied statistics.
Kick Returns and Field Position
Los Angeles generated strong kick-return production.
Ronnie Rivers returned four kicks for 107 yards, averaging 26.8 yards per return, with a long return of 28 yards.
Xavier Smith added one return for 27 yards.
The Rams finished with 134 kick-return yards at an average of 26.8 yards per return.
Arizona’s Steven Sims handled all three recorded kick returns, producing 49 yards and an average of 16.3 yards per return.
The difference in return production gave Los Angeles another source of field-position advantage.
Sims also handled Arizona’s punt returns, producing 27 yards on two returns.
Punting Numbers
Matt Haack punted twice for Arizona for 109 total yards.
His average was 54.5 yards, with a long of 57 yards and one punt inside the 20-yard line.
Ethan Evans punted twice for Los Angeles for 117 yards.
He averaged 58.5 yards per punt, with a long of 64 yards.
Although the punting sample was small, both specialists produced strong distance.
Why the Rams Won Despite Arizona’s Offensive Production
The box score provides an interesting contrast.
Arizona produced 271 receiving yards compared with 259 for Los Angeles.
Arizona averaged 5.3 yards per rushing attempt compared with 4.6 for Los Angeles.
Yet the Rams won by 17 points.
The explanation comes from several areas.
1. Touchdown efficiency
Stafford threw four touchdown passes.
Brissett threw two.
Los Angeles converted passing opportunities into touchdowns at a higher rate.
2. Defensive pressure
The Rams recorded six sacks and 12 quarterback hits.
Arizona had one sack and four quarterback hits.
That difference likely had a major effect on how comfortably each offense operated.
3. Turnovers
Los Angeles recorded an interception while Arizona did not.
Arizona also lost a fumble.
Those lost possessions gave the Rams additional opportunities.
4. Rushing volume
Los Angeles ran 31 times for 143 yards.
Arizona ran 15 times for 79 yards.
Even though Arizona had the better rushing average, the Rams produced substantially more rushing volume.
5. Scoring consistency
Los Angeles scored 13 points in the second quarter and 14 in the fourth.
Arizona scored 14 points in the third quarter but was held scoreless in the fourth.
The Rams maintained their scoring output late in the game, while Arizona could not answer in the final quarter.
What the Player Stats Reveal About Offensive Efficiency
One of the most useful lessons from this matchup is that raw yardage does not always predict the final result.
Arizona’s receivers generated 271 yards.
That sounds impressive.
Wilson nearly reached 100 yards himself, while McBride added 65.
But Los Angeles scored 37 points because it combined adequate yardage with much greater touchdown production.
The Rams had 259 receiving yards, only 12 fewer than Arizona, but they scored four receiving touchdowns.
That is the statistical difference between moving the football and finishing drives.
Stafford’s 114.5 passer rating also illustrates the efficiency of the Rams passing attack.
Brissett’s 101.9 rating was respectable, but the six sacks and interception reduced the overall effectiveness of Arizona’s offensive possessions.
A Closer Look at Target Volume
Target distribution also provides useful context.
For Arizona:
- Michael Wilson received 8 targets
- Trey McBride received 8 targets
- Elijah Higgins received 3
- Michael Carter received 3
- Corey Kiner received 3
- Josiah Deguara received 2
- Emari Demercado received 1
For Los Angeles:
- Puka Nacua received 11 targets
- Colby Parkinson received 7
- Tyler Higbee received 6
- Kyren Williams received 5
- Tutu Atwell received 3
- Xavier Smith received 2
- Davis Allen received 1
- Konata Mumpfield received 1
- Blake Corum received 1
The Rams therefore spread the passing workload across several players while still giving Nacua the largest share.
Arizona relied particularly heavily on Wilson and McBride.
That distinction can be useful when analyzing offensive structure from a single-game sample.
What Fantasy Football Managers Can Take From the Numbers
A single game should never be treated as a complete projection of future fantasy production, but several player usage patterns are noteworthy.
Puka Nacua’s 11 targets demonstrate strong involvement in the passing game. His 10 receptions also show that the target volume translated into actual production.
Tyler Higbee’s five receptions for 91 yards and a touchdown made him one of the most efficient Rams receiving options in this matchup.
Colby Parkinson’s two touchdowns stand out, although his 36 receiving yards show why touchdown-heavy performances should be separated from broader volume analysis.
For Arizona, Wilson’s 99 receiving yards and 43-yard long reception demonstrate his big-play potential in this matchup.
McBride’s eight targets and seven receptions show consistent involvement even without a touchdown.
The important lesson is to examine targets, receptions, yards, and scoring together rather than relying on one fantasy statistic.
The Importance of Context When Reading Box Scores
Player statistics are most useful when they are placed in context.
For example, Arizona’s 5.3 yards per rushing attempt looks better than Los Angeles’ 4.6.
But Arizona only had 15 rushing attempts.
Los Angeles had 31.
That means the Rams generated 143 rushing yards compared with Arizona’s 79.
Similarly, Arizona had more receiving yards, but Los Angeles produced twice as many passing touchdowns.
This is why a complete game analysis should consider:
- Volume
- Efficiency
- Touchdowns
- Turnovers
- Negative plays
- Field position
- Defensive pressure
- Game situation
Looking at one category in isolation can produce a misleading interpretation.
Key Statistical Takeaways
The biggest numbers from the matchup can be condensed into several points.
Matthew Stafford: 25 of 40, 259 yards, four touchdowns, zero interceptions, 114.5 passer rating.
Jacoby Brissett: 22 of 31, 243 yards, two touchdowns, one interception, 101.9 passer rating.
Puka Nacua: 10 receptions, 76 yards, one touchdown, 11 targets.
Tyler Higbee: five receptions, 91 yards, one touchdown.
Colby Parkinson: four receptions, 36 yards, two touchdowns.
Michael Wilson: five receptions, 99 yards, one touchdown.
Trey McBride: seven receptions, 65 yards, eight targets.
Kyren Williams: 12 carries, 60 rushing yards, plus three receptions for 21 yards.
Blake Corum: 13 carries, 59 rushing yards, plus one reception for 10 yards.
Los Angeles defense: six sacks and one interception.
Arizona defense: one sack and no interceptions.
Final score: Rams 37, Cardinals 20.
Together, these numbers explain why the scoreboard favored Los Angeles even though Arizona produced several strong individual offensive performances.
How to Read These Stats for Future Matchups
When evaluating another Cardinals or Rams game, start with the same framework.
First, examine quarterback efficiency. Completion percentage alone is not enough. Look at yards per attempt, touchdowns, interceptions, sacks, and passer rating together.
Second, examine rushing volume. A high average on a small number of carries may not mean much if the offense cannot sustain the running game.
Third, look at target distribution. A receiver with 10 targets has a different usage profile from one who produces 70 yards on three targets.
Fourth, separate yardage from scoring. Touchdowns often have a larger impact on the final result than modest differences in total yardage.
Finally, inspect defensive disruption. Sacks, quarterback hits, tackles for loss, and takeaways can change the value of offensive statistics.
That approach produces a much clearer picture than simply identifying the player with the most yards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Cardinals vs Rams game on January 5, 2026?
The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Arizona Cardinals 37-20 in Week 18 of the 2025 NFL regular season. (NFL)
How many touchdowns did Matthew Stafford throw?
Matthew Stafford threw four touchdown passes and no interceptions. He completed 25 of 40 passes for 259 yards and finished with a 114.5 passer rating.
Who was Arizona’s leading receiver?
Michael Wilson led Arizona with five receptions for 99 yards and one touchdown. His longest reception was 43 yards.
How many receptions did Puka Nacua have?
Puka Nacua caught 10 passes for 76 yards and one touchdown on 11 targets.
Which team had more rushing yards?
The Los Angeles Rams had more rushing yards, finishing with 143 yards on 31 carries. Arizona recorded 79 rushing yards on 15 carries.
Which defense recorded more sacks?
The Los Angeles Rams recorded six sacks, compared with one sack by the Arizona Cardinals.
Conclusion
The arizona cardinals vs los angeles rams match player stats show that the 37-20 result was shaped by more than total yardage.
Arizona had several productive individual performances. Michael Wilson approached 100 receiving yards, Trey McBride caught seven passes, and the Cardinals averaged 5.3 yards per rushing attempt. Jacoby Brissett also posted a 101.9 passer rating with two touchdown passes.
The Rams, however, were more effective in the areas that directly translated into points. Matthew Stafford threw four touchdown passes without an interception. Puka Nacua provided 10 receptions, Tyler Higbee produced 91 receiving yards and a touchdown, and Colby Parkinson scored twice.
The biggest statistical separation came on defense. Los Angeles recorded six sacks, 12 quarterback hits, and an interception, while Arizona registered one sack, four quarterback hits, and no interceptions.
The rushing numbers also favored the Rams in total production. Los Angeles ran 31 times for 143 yards, more than doubling Arizona’s 15 rushing attempts and 79 yards.
Taken together, the player statistics show a game in which Arizona generated meaningful offensive production but Los Angeles was more effective at converting its opportunities into touchdowns while creating more disruption defensively.
