Odell Beckham Jr.

Odell Beckham Jr. continued his resurgence in Monday's 34-11 win over the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC Wild Card Round at SoFi Stadium, and his performance did more than help the Los Angeles Rams reach the divisional round. 

With the win, Beckham receives a $500,000 incentive bonus, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. 

The 29-year-old finished with four catches for 54 yards and one touchdown and also completed a pass for 40 yards. He is the first player in NFL postseason history to have a 30-yard reception and at least a 30-yard completion in the same game, per ESPN Stats & Info.

Beckham signed a one-year deal with the Rams in November after being released by the Cleveland Browns. The deal is worth up to $4.25 million and includes up to $3 million in incentives. 

The three-time Pro Bowler was placed on waivers by the Browns after his father, Odell Beckham Sr., posted a video on Instagram highlighting times when quarterback Baker Mayfield either didn't throw the ball to his son when he was wide open or missed him completely. 

Beckham reportedly never reached out to Mayfield to apologize for the post, which only accelerated his exit from Cleveland. 

Though he never found much success in Northern Ohio, he certainly has found his footing in Los Angeles.

Beckham recorded 27 catches for 305 yards and five touchdowns in eight regular-season games with the Rams.

He wasn't initially expected to have a significant impact in Sean McVay's lineup, but Robert Woods' torn ACL opened the door for the veteran.

Based on his rejuventaed play, Beckham should see some significant contract offers once he hits free agency. But for now, his focus will be on helping the Rams defeat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the divisional round. 

Odell Beckham Jr. caught just seven touchdown passes in 29 career games for the Cleveland Browns across parts of three seasons. 

So the four touchdown receptions he's nabbed over his last five games with the Los Angeles Rams since signing with the team in November have been a breath of fresh air for the veteran wideout.

"It's been great," he told reporters. "Over the last couple of years, I've felt deprived. I've definitely missed the end zone for sure, and it just hasn't been as easy and seamless as it could and should be. I'm someone who I feel like I should score once or twice every single game; I feel like I can get 100 yards every single game."

Whether Beckham meant to take a shot at former quarterback Baker Mayfield or not, it's hard not to read into his latest remarks, especially after the drama that surrounded the two this season. 

Their lack of on-field chemistry boiled over in the first week in November, when Beckham's father posted a video on Instagram showing instances of his son being open on the field without getting the ball thrown his way. He took shots at Mayfield in the comments as well.

ESPN's Jake Trotter reported at the time that Beckham "didn't disavow his father's comments publicly. And he didn't call Mayfield privately."

"I was pretty surprised by the video and the intentions and the feelings behind it. I'd be lying if I said otherwise," Mayfield told reporters after the video was posted. "I thought we had a very open line of communication."

There was little doubt that the two struggled to gain any sort of chemistry on the field. Beckham caught just 114 passes for 1,586 yards and the seven touchdowns with the Browns. To put that in perspective, the 29-year-old posted three individual seasons with 1,300 or more receiving yards with double-digit touchdown receptions in his first three seasons with the New York Giants. 

Injuries have slowed down the superstar ascension that Beckham was rocketing toward. The 2014 first-rounder has played the full 16 games in a season just once across the past five years. 

But his short time with the Rams—20 catches for 248 yards and four scores—has been a reminder that Beckham has more to offer than was possible in Cleveland. Even if his role is different in Los Angeles than it was in New York with Cooper Kupp as the headliner at wide receiver, he's been a solid addition. 

For Beckham, the priority is winning. 

"I came late to the party. But [I] still have celebrated like I've been here for the whole time, so it's definitely a special opportunity, not just to win the division but to go for it all," he told reporters. "This is the only reason that you put in these hours of work in the offseason—to dedicate and sacrifice our lives for this is for these moments."

Of course, scoring a few touchdowns along the way doesn't hurt. 

For the fourth time in the past five seasons, the Los Angeles Rams will have an opportunity to play for a Super Bowl appearance. 

The Rams clinched a playoff berth Sunday with a 30-23 victory over the Minnesota Vikings.

After losing to the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Divisional Round last season, Rams head coach Sean McVay decided it was time to make a change at quarterback.

A reported offseason meeting between McVay and Matthew Stafford in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, changed the direction of the franchise. Los Angeles sent three draft picks, including first-rounders in 2022 and 2023, and Jared Goff to the Detroit Lions to acquire Stafford.

Stafford has helped lift McVay's offense to new heights in his first season in the system. The 33-year-old looked like an MVP candidate to start the year. He threw for 2,477 yards, 22 touchdowns and completed 68.9 percent of his attempts through the first eight games.

The Rams defense hasn't played at the same level this season as it did in 2020 when it led the NFL in points allowed per game (18.5), but it remains a unit capable of dominating on any given week.

Aaron Donald had three sacks on Kyler Murray, including on the final play of the game, in a crucial Week 14 win over the Arizona Cardinals.

A three-game losing streak in Weeks 9-12 did lead to some concerns about the Rams' sustainability with such a top-heavy roster. They lost Robert Woods for the season on Nov. 12 when he tore his ACL during practice.

In an effort to replace Woods' production, the Rams signed Odell Beckham Jr. after the Cleveland Browns waived him. The three-time Pro Bowler has four touchdown catches in six games with his new team.

Stafford's arm talent has unlocked new levels of Cooper Kupp's game. The fifth-year wideout entered Sunday leading the NFL in receptions (122), receiving yards (1,625) and receiving touchdowns (14).

At their best, the Rams have proved capable of beating any team in the NFL. They already have marquee wins over NFC contenders like the Cardinals and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Given the volume of options at the skill positions, the Rams can score points with anyone. Donald and Jalen Ramsey are arguably the two best players at their respective positions on the defensive side of the ball.

McVay has already led the Rams to one Super Bowl appearance in his tenure as head coach. He's going to have another opportunity to get back there this season.

No wide receiver has been more prolific through his first two NFL seasons than Justin Jefferson.

With eight catches for 116 yards in Sunday's 30-23 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, the Minnesota Vikings star moved ahead of Odell Beckham Jr. for the most receiving yards through the first two years of a player's career.

Per Stathead, Beckham (2,755) entered the day as the all-time leader. He had a 20-yard edge on Jefferson.

Jefferson knew the stakes Sunday going into the contest. 

"Need 21 yards," he told reporters in reference to Beckham's mark. "Definitely been keeping the tabs for that."

The two-time Pro Bowler is probably savoring the fact he leapfrogged his friend and fellow LSU alumnus, thus giving him bragging rights in perpetuity. 

Beyond the yardage record, Jefferson said he was "excited" to matchup against Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who's widely regarded as one of the best at his position.

"I feel like I live for these moments, ever since I was a kid, just going up against that top guy," he said. "I’m a natural competitor. … To me, it’s a statement game for me considering myself one of the top receivers in the league and solidifying myself. Definitely ready for it."

Jefferson certainly made the most of Sunday's game.

When the Vikings traded Stefon Diggs away in March 2020, it was fair to raise concerns about the state of their passing game going forward. But they used one of the draft picks they received from the Buffalo Bills to take Jefferson at No. 22 overall in the 2020 NFL draft.

So far, things have worked out well in Minnesota.

Some Vikings fans might be wondering whether Jefferson might have another level to reach, too, if a quarterback other than Kirk Cousins is running the offense in 2022 and beyond.

The Los Angeles Rams activated six players from the NFL's reserve/COVID-19 list ahead of Tuesday's game against the Seattle Seahawks.

Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., defensive back Dont'e Deayon, running back Darrell Henderson, linebacker Justin Hollins, tight end Brycen Hopkins and offensive tackle Alaric Jackson are all available to play.

Los Angeles and Seattle were originally scheduled to play Sunday but had their matchup postponed because of the Rams' COVID-19 outbreak.

Beckham appeared to address his own status Friday:

ESPN's Lindsey Thiry pointed out how the Rams collectively still aren't out of the woods yet:

The NFL and NFL Players Association agreed to amend their collective COVID-19 protocols Thursday. One alteration accelerated the period of time a vaccinated player would have to wait until returning after testing positive.

Saturday, the two sides announced further changes, which largely revolve around the testing procedure for vaccinated players and staffers.

The Rams (9-4) are looking to build on back-to-back wins in their last two games, helping them close the gap on the NFC West-leading Arizona Cardinals (10-3). While unlikely, Los Angeles can also clinch a playoff berth if other results fall its way.

Getting Beckham and Henderson back will be a boost for head coach Sean McVay.

Beckham has caught 15 passes for 204 yards and three touchdowns in four games with his new team. Henderson, meanwhile, is the team's leading rusher (648 yards, five touchdowns).

Odell Beckham Jr. was among nine Los Angeles Rams players placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on Tuesday.

Here's a look at the full list of players:

• WR Odell Beckham Jr.
• DB Terrell Burgess
• DB Jordan Fuller
  
• DB Tyler Hall
  
• TE Brycen Hopkins
  
• DB Juju Hughes
  
• T Alaric Jackson
  
• NT Sebastian Joseph-Day
  
• DE Jonah Williams
  

Los Angeles did get some good news though, as Tyler Higbee was activated to the roster. The tight end, as well as cornerback Jalen Ramsey, had been placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list ahead of Monday's contest against the Arizona Cardinals.

Earlier Tuesday, the Rams closed their training facility and entered the NFL's intensive COVID-19 protocols amid the team dealing with positive tests.

"There's going to be more people that are affected by this," Rams head coach Sean McVay told reporters Tuesday.

The Rams (9-4) will handle their meetings remotely for at least Tuesday and Wednesday ahead of their Week 15 home matchup against the Seattle Seahawks (5-5).

Beckham joined the Rams last month after being released by the Cleveland Browns. He had six catches for 77 yards and a touchdown in a 30-23 victory over the Cardinals. The 29-year-old has caught a TD in three straight games.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the NFL had 37 positive COVID tests Monday, the highest single-day total since the beginning of the pandemic. The Browns are also in intensive protocols amid several positive tests.

The NFL has seen a spike in positive tests of late amid the spread of coronavirus variants and the waning effectiveness of available vaccines over time.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends those who underwent a two-shot vaccination (Pfizer or Moderna) receive a booster six months after their second shot, and people who underwent the one-shot vaccination (Johnson & Johnson) receive a booster after two months.

The NFL is requiring all Tier 1 and Tier 2 personnel (besides players) receive a booster shot by Dec. 27. Data has shown booster shots are more effective at preventing infection and serious disease.

As it turns out, the Los Angeles Rams were mostly dead after losing three of their last four games. There's a big difference between a team's Super Bowl aspirations being mostly dead and all dead. 

Matthew Stafford and Co. got better quickly with an impressive 30-23 victory Monday over the NFC-leading Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on Monday. 

Essentially, Sean McVay's squad went back to who it was at the start of the season instead of the team struggling to accomplish much of anything against the Tennessee Titans, San Francisco 49ers and Green Bay Packers. (A 37-7 drubbing of the Jacksonville Jaguars doesn't amount to much as that franchise implodes under Urban Meyer's direction.)

The Rams weren't just beat; the aforementioned opponents dominated them at points. Los Angeles went from the chic Super Bowl pick with Stafford being a frontrunner for MVP to a squad that lost three straight contests to playoff-caliber opponents by a combined score of 95-54. 

Basically, Los Angeles vacillated from an offensive juggernaut to questions surrounding Stafford and whether he's not capable of leading a winning franchise to the Rams beating a rival with the league's best record. 

The NFL can be strange. Everyone sees unexpected outcomes each week with certain teams simply not playing well for whatever reason. The Rams went through their funk. They came out the other side with one of the season's most impressive victories and a 9-4 record while being only one game behind the NFC's three 10-win squads. 

To understand just how tight the playoffs races are at the moment and how deeply parity runs throughout professional football, the 2021 campaign is only the third season since the league expanded to a 16-game schedule in 1978 not to have a team clinch a playoff spot by Week 14, per NFL Research. 

Los Angeles' approach wasn't overly complicated. The coaching staff made sure to feed wide receiver Cooper Kupp, get Odell Beckham Jr. the ball and move the pocket for Stafford, while the Rams' defensive line consistently won their matchups to fluster and flush Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray. 

The Rams did these things despite what amounted to a COVID-19 outbreak with star defensive back Jalen Ramsey, starting right tackle Rob Havenstein, running back Darrell Henderson Jr., tight end Tyler Higbee and cornerback Dont'e Deayon not playing after being placed on the reserve list. 

The Ramsey and Higbee news didn't come to light until a few hours before the Rams' latest contest began. 

"My initial reaction is you've got to be s--ting me," McVay told reporters afterward. 

While the hope is everyone mentioned will be OK, their absence didn't have much of an impact on Monday's outcome. The depleted Rams still looked pretty, pretty good starting with Stafford. 

Questions began to bubble to the surface about the 33-year-old's supposed inability to lead a successful playoff squad. To be fair, the Detroit Lions went 0-3 in the playoffs during his tenure and the Rams still need to clinch a postseason bid then win a game that truly matters before the stigma goes away completely. However, Stafford's performance Monday indicates he's the right man to lead the Rams against the league's best opposition. 

Stafford provided a highly efficient, while simultaneously dazzling performance, by completing 76.7 percent of his passes for 287 yards and three touchdowns. His tosses included, but weren't limited to a no-look pass while being hit, a perfectly placed touchdown pass to Kupp, and a beautifully thrown bomb while rolling to his left. 

A strong playaction game certainly helped. Stafford was nearly perfect on the night when utilizing the play fake, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. 

When the Rams are rolling, they rely on their zone running attack, a strong play-action passing attack and involving all of the weapons at wide receiver, particularly Kupp. The Cardinals had no answer whatsoever for the league's leading receiver. 

Kupp caught a career-high 13 passes for 123 yards. It's not like the Rams are force-feeding the 28-year-old target. He's adept at creating separation and yards after the catch. His nine straight games with 90 or more yards is tied for the most in the last 70 seasons, per NFL Research. The Rams coaching staff is helping by not allowing the defense to key on his alignment. 

As good as Kupp was, Odell Beckham Jr. finally started to look like his old self with his new team. OBJ showed burst after initially battling through a knee injury upon his Los Angeles arrival. The midseason addition caught six passes on seven targets for 77 yards. 

Kupp, Beckham and Van Jefferson each caught touchdown passes in the same game in two straight weeks. 

On the other side of the ball, a war daddy controlled the line of scrimmage. Aaron Donald is unlike anything the game has ever seen. The three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year simply takes over contests, and he did so again Monday. From the very first Cardinals offensive series, Donald affected Murray's performance through pressure and constant harassment. The interior defender registered three sacks, including the game-clinching takedown, and three quarterback hits. 

Donald regularly dominates. But he has help off the edges from Leonard Floyd and Von Miller. Nose tackle Greg Gaines' non-stop motor gave Murray's fits as well. When a front four plays with the same level of intensity and relentlessness as the Rams did Monday, any deficiencies throughout the rest of the unit can be hidden. For example, Murray missed two open receivers on Arizona's initial drive. Why? Because he had pressure in his face, which didn't allow him to follow through or accurately place what would normally be easy completions. 

Currently, McVay's squad owns the fifth seed, but four winnable games are in front of the Rams. Los Angeles should be favored against the Seattle Seahawks, Minnesota Vikings and Baltimore Ravens before facing the San Francisco 49ers for the second time. The Rams will get help, too, once the current members on the COVID list return to the lineup. 

The idea of the Rams not being counted among the NFC's elite, thus a legitimate Super Bowl contender, is inconceivable. A simple reminder against an opponent with the game's best record was needed to regain said status, though. 

—

LSU wide receivers stick together.

After Los Angeles Rams pass-catcher Odell Beckham Jr. hauled in a touchdown catch during the first half of Monday's game against the Arizona Cardinals, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson reacted on Twitter:

It was Beckham's third touchdown catch in four games with the Rams, which stands in stark contrast to the zero he had in six games with the Cleveland Browns earlier this season.

Beckham and the Browns didn't exactly have the best breakup with his father posting a video of quarterback Baker Mayfield missing the receiver with throws a number of times and the team excusing Beckham from multiple practices.

To hear Jefferson tell it, Beckham wasn't the reason his time in Cleveland didn't go as expected.

The NFC West is once again the focal point of the NFL injury report.

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray are both listed on the injury report ahead of their Week 13 games.

Beckham is dealing with a hip injury that might keep him out of the Rams' clash with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Beckham was limited in practice Wednesday and did not practice Thursday, and his status "is up in the air."

Murray will again be a game-time decision for the Cardinals. His status has not changed even though the Cardinals had a bye week in Week 12.

Arizona head coach Kliff Kingsbury called Murray and wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins game-time decisions for the trip to Chicago.

Below is a look at other significant injuries that will affect the fantasy football landscape for Sunday's Week 13 games:

• DeAndre Hopkins, WR, ARI: Game-time decision (hamstring)
• Kyler Murray, QB, ARI: Game-time decision (ankle)
• Marquise Goodwin, WR, CHI: Out (foot/ribs), per team injury report
• Justin Fields, QB, CHI: Doubtful (ribs)
• Allen Robinson II, WR, CHI: Doubtful (hamstring)
• D'Andre Swift, RB, DET: Out (shoulder), per team injury report
• Melvin Gordon III, RB, DEN: Doubtful (shoulder/hip), per team injury report
  
• Darren Waller, TE, LV: Doubtful (back/knee), per team injury report
• Dalvin Cook, RB, MIN: Out (shoulder), per team injury report
• Daniel Jones, QB, NYG: Out (neck), per team injury report
• Sterling Shepard, WR, NYG: Doubtful (quad)
• Kadarius Toney, WR, NYG: Doubtful (oblique/quad)
• Jordan Howard, RB, PHI: Out (knee), per team injury report
• Jalen Hurts, QB, PHI: Questionable (ankle)
• Landon Collins, S, WSH: Out (foot), per team injury report
• J.D. McKissic, RB, WSH: Out (concussion)
• Wes Schweitzer, OG, WSH: Out (ankle)

Odell Beckham Jr. Dealing With Hip Injury

The Rams likely do not need Beckham to beat the Jaguars at home.

However, Sunday's game at SoFi Stadium would be the perfect game to get him more reps with tougher games on the horizon.

Beckham caught his first touchdown in a Rams jersey in Week 12's loss to the Green Bay Packers. He caught five balls on 10 targets for 81 yards.

If Beckham plays, he should be considered a No. 1 or No. 2 wide receiver in fantasy lineups because of his big-play potential, increased targets in Week 12 and favorable matchup.

Van Jefferson would be the beneficiary of a Beckham absence or limited playing time.

As always, Cooper Kupp will receive a high volume of targets from Matthew Stafford. His production might increase if Beckham is out, but he will have a high production rate regardless.

Former Rams wideout Josh Reynolds is one of the potential plug-ins for Beckham. He connected with Jared Goff for a 39-yard touchdown pass in the Detroit Lions' Thanksgiving Day loss to the Chicago Bears.

Jauan Jennings is expected to receive more targets in Deebo Samuel's absence in San Francisco. He could be worth an addition as a No. 2 or No. 3 wide receiver in place of Beckham as well.

Kyler Murray Once Again a Game-Time Decision

Murray has not played since Week 8.

Every week since, the Cardinals quarterback has gone into Sunday as a game-time decision because of his ankle injury.

If the Cardinals do not believe Murray is at 100 percent come Sunday, he could be saved for the Week 14 clash with the Rams that will go a long way in determining the NFC playoff seeding.

Murray might not be the best fantasy football option even if he plays because of the monthlong layoff. The same could be said about DeAndre Hopkins, especially if he plays without his No. 1 quarterback on the field.

49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo could be a decent waiver-wire pickup in place of Murray. San Francisco visits the struggling Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.

Minnesota's Kirk Cousins could be worth the selection as well since he plays the Lions, but he might not be widely available.

With Daniel Jones out and Jalen Hurts banged up, the list of top quarterbacks to replace Murray is slim. That could lead you to Andy Dalton against the Cardinals or New York Jets rookie Zach Wilson against the Eagles out of necessity.