The Los Angeles Rams have gotten off to an impressive 2-0 start to the 2020 NFL season with wins over the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles. They now face their biggest test yet going on the road to square off against another undefeated team in the Buffalo Bills.
Like the Rams, the Bills are hoping to make a statement by going 3-0 and potentially taking control of their respective division. It is safe to say that quarterbacks Jared Goff and Josh Allen will have their work cut out going against such formidable defenses.
Rams Offense Vs. Bills Defense
Although the Rams struggled to capitalize in the red zone during the season opener, that was hardly the case during their 37-19 victory over the Eagles. Tight end Tyler Higbee stole the show thanks to his hat trick of touchdowns from Goff while running back Darrell Henderson also emerged as the primary option in the backfield by registering a career-high 121 scrimmage yards and a rushing touchdown.
Since running back Cam Akers has been ruled out with a rib injury, it will be interesting to see if Henderson or Week 1 star Malcolm Brown is able to reap the benefits.
They are now squaring off against a stingy Bills’ defense that is giving up the fifth-fewest yards through two games. However, their linebacker corps could be severely shorthanded with Del’Shawn Phillips ruled out while Tremaine Edmunds and Matt Milano are listed as questionable.
Bills Offense Vs. Rams Defense
Allen has done what he can to establish himself as a bonafide franchise quarterback coming off a four-touchdown performance in a nail-biter over the Miami Dolphins. His play can be credited to the arrival of wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who has proven to be one of the biggest offseason acquisitions with 16 receptions for 239 yards and a touchdown so far.
With running back Zack Moss ruled out, running back Devin Singletary is slated to serve as the workhorse in Week 3.
The defense for L.A. has proven to be quite opportunistic thanks to the play of defensive tackle Aaron Donald and cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Unfortunately, they have also been generous in the run game after allowing Ezekiel Elliott (96) and Miles Sanders (95) to each nearly top 100 yards on the ground.
Aside from cornerback Darious Williams’ questionable status, and he will play, the Rams can take solace in the fact that they are otherwise sporting a clean bill of health on this side of the ball.
Three Keys To Victory
1. Generate Pressure On Josh Allen
With Allen seemingly coming into his own as a quarterback, the onus will fall on the Rams to do everything they can to make him feel uncomfortable. This will be much easier said than done given his versatility under center and revamped supporting cast.
Los Angeles has only generated 14 pressures in the first two weeks of the season and most of it has come courtesy of Donald. He will need some support from the edge in Leonard Floyd and Samson Ebukam to come up big if they hope to disrupt Allen’s rhythm.
2.Disrupt Bills’ Balanced Approach On Offense
If the Rams can find a way to contain Allen, look for the Bills to revert to the run game behind Singletary. The loss of Moss leaves them without a complementary option, however, they still have good reason to be confident after tallying 111 yards on 4.8 yards per carry against the Dolphins.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles gave up 121 yards and two touchdowns on 4.7 yards per carry versus Philadelphia. they could be in danger of letting it happen again if not quelled early.
3. Maintain Emphasis On Run Game
Despite their struggles with the run game on defense, that is hardly the case on the offensive side of the ball with Henderson and Brown each enjoying stellar outings. The ground attack has helped take some of the pressure off Goff by opening up the passing game.
Unfortunately, this will be much easier said than done since the Bills are giving up the third-fewest rushing yards per game (75.5). Regardless, it will be a necessity for the Rams if they hope to move to 3-0.
How to watch
Time: Sunday, 10 a.m. PT
Location: Ralph Wilson Stadium
TV: FOX
