The Los Angeles Rams are clearly trying to regain their footing after yet another loss, though they return home to a good opportunity to get right as they take on the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 13.
The Jaguars are on their own three-game losing streak, with their last win surprisingly coming against the Buffalo Bills. Although Jacksonville is clearly in a rebuild, they have shown they are a feisty team and it would be dangerous for Los Angeles to let down their guard.
Rams Offense vs. Jaguars Defense
There are growing concerns about the Rams running game as they have had trouble gaining yardage on the ground. The offensive line has done a good job of opening up holes, but Darrell Henderson has particularly struggled to get yards after contact.
Henderson is dealing with a quad strain and it looks like head coach Sean McVay could turn to Sony Michel to handle lead back duties. Michel does not have breakaway speed like Henderson does, but the back is a physical runner who can churn for those extra yards to keep the Rams on schedule.
Matthew Stafford has not looked like himself lately, and while injuries could be a factor, the quarterback insists he is fine. Fortunately, the Jaguars are a poor passing defense so Stafford is set up to bounce back. The receiver trio of Cooper Kupp, Odell Beckham Jr. and Van Jefferson could all have big days receiving, which would be a welcomed sight given the scoring struggles the team has had in recent weeks.
Defensively, the Jaguars are a below-average unit who will be without top cornerback Shaquill Griffin, which means Stafford and his receiving corps should be able to put up points in a hurry.
Rams Defense vs. Jaguars Offense
The Rams defense had a hard time getting off the field against the Green Bay Packers as they routinely got beat up front in the trenches and gave up untimely plays on third and fourth down. That should not be the case this time around as Jacksonville and Trevor Lawrence have struggled to move the chains.
Lawrence has shown some ability as a dual-threat quarterback, but his receiving group leaves much to be desired especially after losing Dan Arnold for the remainder of the year.
L.A.’s defensive front should be able to wreak havoc against an underwhelming Jacksonville offensive line, and their priority should be to bottle up James Robinson, who has been one of their few bright spots.
One player to watch, however, will be Jalen Ramsey, who should have some extra energy playing against his former team. Ramsey will presumably be in the ‘Star’ position on most of his snaps, though could draw Marvin Jones Jr. in coverage given that he’s their best receiver.
Keys To Victory
1. No special teams mishaps
The Rams have yet to put together a complete game in all three phases and a lot of their troubles start with special teams. It has been a revolving door of receivers at kick and punt returns, with J.J. Koski getting most of the work against Green Bay. Koski had a couple of decent moments, though fumbled a punt return that eventually led to a backbreaking Packers score.
Special teams gaffs have put the Rams defense in poor positions, but if they are able to do their job and avoid any costly mistakes then it would go a long way in securing a win.
2. Establish the run game
As mentioned previously, Los Angeles has really struggled to run the football in recent weeks which has made it difficult for Stafford to make plays through the air. Even though Henderson may be limited, he and Michel need a fair amount of touches to get in a groove and keep the Jaguars’ defense honest.
