The Los Angeles Rams and New Orleans Saints faced off in a thrilling NFL Week 13 matchup on December 1, 2024, at the Caesars Superdome. The Rams emerged victorious with a 21-14 scoreline, showcasing resilience and clutch performances. This article breaks down the player stats, key moments, and strategic insights from this pivotal game, optimized for football fans seeking detailed analysis.
Game Overview: Rams vs. Saints, December 1, 2024
The Rams (6-6) entered the game looking to stay competitive in the NFC West, while the Saints (4-8) aimed to extend their two-game winning streak under interim coach Darren Rizzi. Despite a scoreless first half for the Rams, they rallied in the second half, driven by standout performances from Kyren Williams and Matthew Stafford. The Saints, led by Alvin Kamara and Derek Carr, kept the game close but fell short in crunch time.
Key Stat: The Rams overcame a 6-0 halftime deficit, a rare feat against a Saints defense that shut them out in the first half for the first time since Sean McVay became coach.
Why Player Stats Matter in NFL Analysis
Player stats provide a window into individual contributions and team dynamics. By analyzing metrics like passing yards, rushing yards, and touchdowns, fans and analysts can gauge performance, identify trends, and predict future outcomes. This game’s stats reveal how the Rams’ second-half adjustments outmaneuvered the Saints’ early dominance.
What Were the Key Player Performances in the Rams vs. Saints Game?
The game featured standout efforts from both teams. Below, we dive into the top performers and their statistical contributions, supported by a detailed stats table.
Los Angeles Rams: Offensive Firepower
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Kyren Williams (RB): Williams was the game’s heartbeat, rushing for a season-high 104 yards on 15 carries, including a 4-yard touchdown. His decisive runs in the second half shifted momentum.
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Matthew Stafford (QB): Stafford threw for 183 yards, completing 15 of 23 passes with two fourth-quarter touchdowns (3 yards to Demarcus Robinson and 7 yards to Puka Nacua). His turnover-free performance was crucial.
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Puka Nacua (WR): Nacua caught 5 passes for 62 yards, including the game-winning touchdown. His clutch play under pressure highlighted his growing role in the Rams’ offense.
New Orleans Saints: Gritty but Short
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Alvin Kamara (RB): Kamara led the Saints with 112 rushing yards on 23 carries, showcasing his elusiveness. His 119 total yards kept the Saints competitive.
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Derek Carr (QB): Carr completed 20 of 31 passes for 185 yards, throwing a 28-yard touchdown to Marquez Valdes-Scantling and a two-point conversion to Dante Pettis. Despite a strong performance, he couldn’t convert on a critical fourth-down play late in the game.
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Marquez Valdes-Scantling (WR): Valdes-Scantling’s 28-yard touchdown catch was a highlight, marking his fourth touchdown in four games since joining the Saints midseason.
Comprehensive Player Stats Table
Below is a detailed table summarizing key player stats from the Los Angeles Rams vs. New Orleans Saints game on December 1, 2024, based on available data from ESPN, FOX Sports, and USA TODAY.
|
Player |
Team |
Position |
Passing Yards |
Pass Completions/Attempts |
Passing TDs |
Rushing Yards |
Rushing TDs |
Receiving Yards |
Receiving TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Matthew Stafford |
Rams |
QB |
183 | 15/23 | 2 | -1 | 0 | – | – |
|
Kyren Williams |
Rams |
RB |
– | – | – | 104 | 1 | 8 | 0 |
|
Puka Nacua |
Rams |
WR |
– | – | – | 0 | 0 | 62 | 1 |
|
Demarcus Robinson |
Rams |
WR |
– | – | – | 0 | 0 | 34 | 1 |
|
Derek Carr |
Saints |
QB |
185 | 20/31 | 1 | 0 | 0 | – | – |
|
Alvin Kamara |
Saints |
RB |
– | – | – | 112 | 0 | 7 | 0 |
|
Marquez Valdes-Scantling |
Saints |
WR |
– | – | – | 0 | 0 | 48 | 1 |
|
Dante Pettis |
Saints |
WR |
– | – | – | 0 | 0 | 12 |
0 (2-pt conv.) |
|
Taysom Hill |
Saints |
TE |
– | – | – | 8 | 0 | 10 | 0 |
Note: Taysom Hill’s stats were limited due to a knee injury in the fourth quarter, which forced him out of the game.
How Did Injuries Impact the Game?
Injuries played a significant role, particularly for the Saints. Key players like Taysom Hill (knee), Erik McCoy (groin), and Nick Saldiveri (knee) were sidelined, weakening the Saints’ offensive versatility and line protection. The Rams, relatively healthier, capitalized on these absences with aggressive second-half plays.
Practical Tip for Fans: Monitor injury reports before games, as they can drastically affect player performance and betting odds. Platforms like ESPN and NFL.com provide real-time updates.
What Were the Turning Points of the Game?
Several moments defined the Rams’ victory:
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Kyren Williams’ Touchdown: His 4-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter gave the Rams a 7-6 lead, shifting momentum.
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Stafford’s Fourth-Quarter Heroics: His two touchdown passes in the final quarter, including the game-winner to Nacua, sealed the deal.
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Saints’ Failed Fourth-Down Play: With 1:13 left, Derek Carr’s incomplete pass on fourth-and-3 handed possession to the Rams, who ran out the clock.
Featured Snippet Answer: The turning point of the Rams vs. Saints game on December 1, 2024, was Matthew Stafford’s 7-yard touchdown pass to Puka Nacua with 8:54 left, giving the Rams a 21-14 lead they never relinquished.
Strategic Insights: What Can We Learn from the Stats?
The stats reveal strategic differences:
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Rams’ Second-Half Adjustment: After a stagnant first half, the Rams leaned on Williams’ rushing and Stafford’s precision passing. Their 42.9% third-down conversion rate (3/7) in the game was above their season average of 31.5%.
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Saints’ Missed Opportunities: Despite outgaining the Rams (305 vs. 294 total yards), the Saints struggled in the red zone, settling for field goals early. Their 28.6% third-down conversion rate (2/7) was below their season average of 38.7%.
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Defensive Pressure: The Saints’ Bryan Bresee sacked Stafford once, but the Rams’ offensive line held firm, allowing Stafford to stay composed.
Tip for Aspiring Analysts: Use advanced metrics like Expected Points Added (EPA) or Completion Percentage Over Expected (CPOE) to dig deeper into player efficiency. Tools like Pro Football Focus offer these insights.
How Do These Stats Compare to Previous Matchups?
Historically, the Rams lead the regular-season series 44-34, with a 1-1 postseason record. In their December 21, 2023, matchup, the Rams won 30-22, with Puka Nacua (164 receiving yards) and Kyren Williams (104 rushing yards) dominating, similar to 2024’s trends. The Saints’ Derek Carr threw for 319 yards in 2023, but his 185 yards in 2024 reflect a more conservative approach.
LSI Keywords: NFL player stats comparison, Rams vs. Saints historical data, Kyren Williams rushing yards, Matthew Stafford passing efficiency.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
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Rams: At 6-6, they face the Buffalo Bills next, aiming to stay in the NFC West race. Williams’ consistency (12 total touchdowns in 2024) will be key.
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Saints: Dropping to 4-8, they visit the New York Giants. With injuries piling up, Kamara and Carr must carry the load to salvage their season.
Fan Tip: Follow team social media for real-time updates on player conditions and game plans. The Rams’ and Saints’ official X accounts are great starting points.
See Also: fballquery.com
Conclusion
The Los Angeles Rams vs. New Orleans Saints matchup on December 1, 2024, was a testament to the NFL’s unpredictability. Kyren Williams’ explosive rushing, Matthew Stafford’s clutch throws, and Alvin Kamara’s relentless effort defined the game. While the Rams’ second-half surge secured the win, the Saints’ injury woes and missed opportunities underscored areas for improvement. This detailed stats breakdown offers fans a deeper appreciation of the game’s nuances and individual brilliance.
