The Los Angeles Rams had their three-game winning streak snapped with a 23-15 loss to the Miami Dolphins and now look to get back on track when they face the New England Patriots in Week 11.
Although the Rams struggled offensively, they got back three key linemen in Steve Avila, Jonah Jackson and Joe Noteboom for the game. L.A. is now at their healthiest since Week 1 and should only get better with more continuity.
However, the Rams will be short-handed at right tackle as Rob Havenstein has been ruled out against the Patriots, while Noteboom is listed as doubtful with an ankle injury.
Should Noteboom be inactive as expected, third-string tackle Warren McClendon is in line to get his third start of the season.
Other Rams who have been ruled out are nose tackle Neville Gallimore and cornerback Charles Woods.
The Rams desperately need a win to get back to .500 and keep pace in a winnable NFC West. They’ll face a Patriots team that enters at only 3-7 but coming off a convincing win over the Chicago Bears.
The Patriots defense, which has been their strength this season, held Caleb Williams and the Bears to only three points. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye has also played well since becoming the team’s starter and should be a good test for the Rams defense.
The Patriots have won nine of their 15 head-to-head meetings with the Rams, which includes victories in Super Bowl XXXVI and Super Bowl LIII.
Rams’ keys to victory
Rams wide receivers need to step up
Nacua caught nine passes for 98 yards against the Dolphins but still hasn’t found paydirt this season. He’ll have a tough task lining up against Christian Gonzalez, who is one of the best young cornerbacks in the NFL.
If Nacua is shadowed by Gonzalez for the entire game, Matthew Stafford will likely try to get the ball to Cooper Kupp and Demarcus Robinson.
Big day for Rams defense?
After allowing 23 points to the Dolphins last week, the Rams defense should have a much easier time against the Patriots.
The Patriots average the fewest yards of any team in the league (271.1), which is due to a lackluster passing attack. They average just under 157 passing yards per game, which is last in the NFL as well.
This should help a Rams defense that has struggled with giving up big plays this season. L.A. also has one of the worst red-zone defenses, so it will be interesting to see if they are able to improve in these areas.
