The Los Angeles Rams held on in Week 13 against the New Orleans Saints to pick up a much-needed victory and now return home to face an even tougher test in the Buffalo Bills.
Unlike the Saints, the Bills have aspirations of winning the Super Bowl and have a good chance of representing the AFC given how stout they’ve been on both sides of the football. While the Rams will be playing at SoFi Stadium, they’re considered sizable underdogs given their opponent.
Los Angeles is still in the mix to come out of the NFC West and make the playoffs, but a loss to Buffalo would put a serious dent in their chances to qualify for the postseason. A victory over the Bills will require the best out of head coach Sean McVay and the rest of the time.
Rams Offense vs. Bills Defense
With Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua both on the field, the Rams have a much better passing attack, though that will be tested against a solid Bills secondary. Kupp and Nacua are great with the ball in their hands and after the catch, so McVay might lean on designed screens and pitches to manufacture touches.
The running game will be key to slowing down Buffalo and keeping their offense off the field for as long as possible, and Kyren Williams should be in line for the majority of touches though Blake Corum saw more snaps in Week 13.
Rams Defense vs. Bills Offense
Although the Bills lack a true No. 1 receiver, Josh Allen has been making do by spreading the football around and taking what defenses give him. Amari Cooper and Khalil Shakir are the top-two receivers, though Dalton Kincaid could also be a problem if he’s ultimately cleared to play.
Jared Verse has been a menace along the edge, but he and the defensive line have their work cut out for them as Allen is tough player to get to because of his mobility in the pocket and rushing ability. There’s also James Cook who has been an efficient runner this season and can gash teams on the ground.
Keys to Victory
1. Limit explosive plays
The Bills have been a methodical offense this year and can move the football almost at will, but ensuring they don’t score quickly should be a priority for the defensive coordinator Chris Shula.
2. Protect Matthew Stafford
Protection up front the past couple of weeks has been decent, but against a strong Bills pass rush it could be an issue. Matthew Stafford can still make plays in a collapsing pocket, but keeping him upright would go a long way in keeping the Rams offense on track.
