The Los Angeles Rams have hit their stride by playing complementary football against bad (or badly injured) teams. They’ll look to do so again on Sunday against arguably the most complete team in the NFL.
For the last three weeks, the Rams have played like one of the best teams in the sport. The Baltimore Ravens have done that all season long.
Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson , who dealt with an illness this week, is a full go for Week 14, meaning he’s a problem. Los Angeles’ pass rush has stepped up, but against a better offensive line and the most dangerous dual threat in the league, it’s no guarantee that the hot streak continues. Expect star lineman Aaron Donald to impact the pocket from the interior, putting athletic linebackers and edge rushers in position to corral the quarterback. Their ability to do so will be telling.
On the other side of the ball, running back Kyren Williams is in for an opportunity to both keep this Rams offense afloat and add to his euphoric sophomore season. Becoming one-dimensional against Baltimore -- one of the league’s elite defenses -- is a death sentence. Explosive plays haven’t been the norm for Williams, but breaking off enough to lighten the weight on quarterback Matthew Stafford’s shoulders is imperative.
Stafford will be dealing with a receiving corps that is not at 100 percent, regardless of who is active on Sunday. Receiver Cooper Kupp has struggled in the back half of the 2023 season and is dealing with an ankle ailment. Thus, he looked to rookie Puka Nacua. The BYU product is stellar but suffered an AC joint sprain last week.
It’s a lot to ask for him to be the lead man, but he’s looked the part as the league’s newest star receiver. It’s really hard to beat Super Bowl contenders without stars showing up. They’ll need to do so on Sunday.
WHAT: Los Angeles Rams (6-6) vs. Baltimore Ravens (9-3)
WHERE: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD (71,008)
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, 10 a.m. (PT)
TV: FOX
RADIO: ESPNLA 710 AM, Tu Liga 1330 AM
ODDS: Rams +7.5 (-118), +285 Moneyline, Total: 39.5 (o -125/u +100)
Live updates will appear after kickoff.
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