METAIRIE, La. -- Sunday’s game between the New Orleans Saints and Arizona Cardinals has the feel of one of those second-tier bowl games in which the two disappointing participants are playing solely for pride.

Neither the Saints (5-8) nor the Cardinals (5-7-1) have been mathematically eliminated from the playoffs yet. But both teams know the score. And the same quotes about refusing to quit, continuing to fight and having professional pride were coming out of both locker rooms this week.

Unfortunately for New Orleans, this remains a tough matchup on the road -- across the country, on a natural grass surface and against a strong defense that hasn’t allowed a 300-yard passer all year.

The Cardinals have been done in by close losses, major special-teams woes and some untimely injuries. Sound familiar?

ESPN Stats & Information

Here are six Arizona players to watch, courtesy of ESPN Cardinals reporter Josh Weinfuss:

OFFENSE

RB David Johnson: The second-year running back continues to make a case as the best offensive player in the NFL, and he'll look to continue that with a 14th straight game of 100 yards or more from scrimmage. He became the second player in NFL history to have 100 yards from scrimmage in his first 13 games of a season. If he does it again Sunday, he’ll be the first in NFL history to do it in 14 straight games. He leads the NFL in yards from scrimmage with 1,830, leading second-place Ezekiel Elliott by 116. Johnson still sits third in the NFL in rushing yards. He has proved he’s the total package with a rushing and receiving arsenal. He’s displayed his patience on runs and his ability to bulldoze a would-be tackler. He’s also making life for defensive coordinators difficult because of his ability to line up as a receiver.

WR Larry Fitzgerald: Fitzgerald is coming off a season-low 12 yards against Miami a week after he climbed into third place on the NFL’s all-time receptions list. Fitzgerald is still on pace for another 1,000-yard season, his second consecutive. He’s second in the NFL in receptions with 91 and is 18th in receiving yards with 880. He’s proving he’s not just the best receiver 30 or older in the league but still one of the best regardless of age. And, on top of that, he’s on pace to set a career high in receptions.

QB Carson Palmer: Palmer struggled mightily in the first half Sunday, throwing two interceptions. He recovered in the second half to throw for 100 yards -- compared to 45 in the first half -- and lead the Cardinals to the brink of a comeback by tying the Dolphins late in the fourth quarter.

PodCenter: NFL Nation Previews NFL Nation reporters preview each Week 15 matchup, discuss their top potential fantasy play and make their predictions. • Los Angeles at Seattle

• Miami at N.Y. Jets

• Green Bay at Chicago

• Jacksonville at Houston

• Cleveland at Buffalo

• Philadelphia at Baltimore

• Tennessee at Kansas City

• Detroit at N.Y. Giants

• Indianapolis at Minnesota

• Pittsburgh at Cincinnati

• New Orleans at Arizona

• San Francisco at Atlanta

• New England at Denver

• Oakland at San Diego

• Tampa Bay at Dallas

• Carolina at Washington

DEFENSE

CB Patrick Peterson: Peterson’s pace had slowed in recent weeks, but he had a crucial game-sealing interception late in the fourth quarter against Washington two weeks ago. But his impact on the defense goes beyond making plays. Opposing quarterbacks have had a tendency to stay away from Peterson, effectively taking half the field out of play. A knee injury hasn’t appeared to slow him recently as the Cardinals have yet to allow 300 yards passing in a game this season.

DT Calais Campbell: The two-time Pro Bowler is continuing a quietly effective season. He had a forced fumble and a quarterback hit in Sunday’s loss to Miami that injured Ryan Tannehill. Two weeks ago, he had a strip-sack that the Cardinals recovered and eventually led to a go-ahead touchdown. While he’s been quiet lately, he has four sacks and an interception this year. Another Pro Bowl may be in the mix.

OLB Chandler Jones: All three of Jones’ tackles against Miami went for a loss. After starting the season with a sack in each of his first four games, Jones then had just one sack in his next four. But he's found a rhythm of late, getting three sacks in his past five games. His edge rush and edge contain have been consistent. Jones causes headaches for offenses, which have to game plan around one of the league’s top young pass-rushers.