Los Angeles Rams at Arizona Cardinals: Stock up, stock down

Winning in the league is never easy, as evidenced by the Los Angeles Rams’ performance in weeks 14 and 15. The Rams returned to the win column on Sunday with a dominating 31-9 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.

The Rams are preparing for the playoffs while fighting to lock up the second seed in the NFC playoff picture, where the Cardinals are just trying to muster any momentum heading into next season.

Let’s take a look at the stock report:

Stock Down

RB Malcolm Brown

This has nothing to do with Malcolm Brown, and everything to do with the Rams’ backup RB situation. The Rams had multiple guys — which included C.J. Anderson and John Kelly — produce on Sunday.

Stock Up

RB C.J. Anderson

For a guy who was just sitting on his couch jobless a few days ago, C.J. Anderson had a fantastic performance. Anderson was immediately thrust into the workhorse role carrying the ball 20 times for 167 rushing yards and a touchdown. Anderson looked gassed at times which was expected, though that’ll happen when you’re averaging 8.4 yards-per-carry. The Rams ultimately benched Anderson late in the game because of their lead. The performance from Anderson should give the Rams a lot of comfort if they need to keep Todd Gurley inactive next week.

DT Aaron Donald

You’re watching one of the greatest defenders in NFL history, so enjoy it. Donald demolished the Cardinals’ offense with another three sacks and four tackles-for-loss. Donald is now up to 19.5 sacks on the season, setting a record for both the most sacks for a DT in a single season, and breaking the single-season sack record for the Rams. The official single-season sack record of 22.5 sacks is now well within reach.

WR Robert Woods

Robert Woods was the top dog in the receiving department converting seven targets into six receptions for 89 yards and a receiving touchdown. Not only that, but Woods was effective coming off the jet sweep with two rushes for 15 yards and a touchdown. Woods is an absolute model of consistency becoming one of only four players in NFL history to reach 14-straight games of 60+ receiving yards:

DT Ndamukong Suh

Ndamukong Suh finally showed some life with a solid performance on Sunday. Suh was a load to handle in the run game, closing lanes effectively and making the Cardinals running backs re-route mid-run. Suh registered a sack, a tackle-for-loss, and two pass deflections. It was a welcomed sight for one of the most expensive players on the team.

ILB Cory Littleton

Littleton performed like a man possessed in the first half in Sunday’s contest. As it’s been the case the entire year, Littleton lead the team with nine combined tackles. Littleton has produced more consistent and impact play the last few weeks, helping revitalize this defense alongside a healthy CB Aqib Talib.