The Los Angeles Rams are hoping to build on their latest win as they hit the road to take on the New York Giants in Week 6.
The Rams secured a crucial NFC West victory over the Seattle Seahawks on a short week to regain their momentum in the division and are looking to take advantage of their favorable three-game stretch coming up. However, they will be visiting a Giants team that is desperate to get back into the win column following a 1-4 start to the 2021 NFL season.
Rams Offense vs. Giants Defense
The Rams managed to regain their rhythm with 476 yards of total offense against a vulnerable Seahawks defense. This was thanks in large part to their versatile passing attack that was complemented by a strong run game led by Darrell Henderson.
Aside from a few hiccups, the offense is still top-10 in points (28.2) and total yards (408.2). Although there were several players that started the week on the injury report, L.A. is sporting a clean bill of health going into Week 6.
The Giants defense is coming off a rough week that saw them give up over 300 yards and three touchdowns through the air against Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. The game was hardly an outlier since this group is allowing the fourth-most total yards (408.6) this season.
Not only do they struggle against the pass, but New York is also allowing the fifth-most rushing yards per game (138.4). Despite not picking up any new injuries on this side of the ball, it will be another savory matchup for head coach Sean McVay to take advantage of.
Rams Defense vs. Giants Offense
The Rams defense managed to get back on track with an opportunistic performance that saw them limit quarterback Russell Wilson to 152 yards, an interception and his lowest passer rating of the season (93.8). While this group continues to find its footing under defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, the efforts of cornerback Jalen Ramsey and defensive tackle Aaron Donald have allowed them to get back on track following a disastrous performance against the Arizona Cardinals.
There was some speculation regarding Donald being listed as a non-participant on Wednesday due to a knee injury, but he has since erased any doubt about his status for Sunday.
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the Giants offense as this group continues to sustain one key injury after another. They will already be without their two biggest playmakers on offense with running back Saquon Barkley and wide receiver Kenny Golladay ruled out while wide receiver Kadarius Toney, tackle Andrew Thomas and wide receiver Darius Slayton are questionable.
It was not all bad as quarterback Daniel Jones has been cleared to play after completing the concussion protocol throughout the week. Regardless, they will be relying heavily on a banged-up Toney and running back Devontae Booker to help Jones carry the offense.
Key To Victory
1. Continue Spreading The Wealth
If the Rams are looking to become the most dangerous offense in the league, they must continue to utilize the many potent options at their disposal. Wide receiver Robert Woods had his first monster game of the year with 12 receptions for 150 yards and it opened up more big-play opportunities for wide receivers Cooper Kupp and DeSean Jackson.
Given the Giants’ current struggles on defense, this is an ideal time for McVay to start establishing this versatile approach on a consistent basis.
2. Get Defense Back To Elite Form
Much has been said about the offense, but the biggest question is whether or not their defense can get back to elite form after sitting at 12th in scoring defense and 23rd in total defense through five games.
They suffered some key losses during the offseason while injuries to the secondary and linebacker corps have left them shorthanded at the moment. It will be interesting to see if they can find a way to hold a team to under 300 yards for the first time this season when they face off against this injury-plagued Giants offense.
3. Do Not Overlook Any Opponents
It is no secret that L.A. is expected to take care of business against New York before finishing a favorable three-game stretch with matchups against the Detroit Lions and Houston Texans. Of course, this is the NFL where there is seldom such thing as an easy game and it is imperative this talented group keeps that in mind.
The Rams have shown to play down to their competition as evidenced by their narrow win over the now 1-4 Indianapolis Colts that was followed up by a dominant victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. These next few weeks are a perfect time for them to start kicking things into next gear going into the halfway point of the season.
Los Angeles (4-1) at New York (1-4)
Kickoff: Sunday, Oct. 17 at 10:00 a.m. PT
TV: FOX
