The Los Angeles Rams have a chance to maintain their lead in the NFC West with a favorable matchup versus the New York Jets at home in Week 15.
Although the Jets are still looking for their first win of the 2020 NFL season, there are no guaranteed wins in this league so Sean McVay has already made sure to emphasize the importance of not overlooking them to his team.
Rams Offense Vs Jets Defense
The Rams offense has managed to get back on track with a couple of productive outings in recent weeks. This has largely been thanks to the emergence of running back Cam Akers as the clear-cut workhorse in the backfield with 50 carries for 243 yards over the last two games.
The team did have a brush with coronavirus (COVID-19) that forced them to take extra precautions after placing Bobby Evans on the reserve list. Backup offensive lineman Brian Allen was also forced to stay away from practice leading up to the game.
Meanwhile, the Jets are all sporting a relatively clean bill of health with their only injury designation being wide receiver Jamison Crowder. As bad as this team has been, their defense has been stout against the run in recent weeks.
Rams Defense Vs Jets Offense
The defense for L.A. has been nothing short of spectacular throughout the course of the 2020 campaign. They currently lead the NFL in pass defense, fewest yards allowed per attempt and touchdown throws so this should bode well versus the worst passing offense in the league.
Aside from Crowder being listed as questionable, New York’s offense will be at full strength. Quarterback Sam Darnold is making his return to his roots in Southern California following another rough year under center. It will be interesting to see if the homecoming helps provide a much-needed spark.
Keys To Victory
1. Keep Feeding Akers
While it may have taken longer than expected, Akers looks every bit the workhorse the Rams hopes he would be after taking him in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. There is no question that the play of the offensive line has helped pay huge dividends for his development by creating lanes for him to take advantage of.
The Jets have done a solid job of limiting opponents on the ground in recent weeks. However, the Rams must show that they are capable of generating a push up front no matter the opponent.
2. No Easy Games
It is easy for the Rams to overlook this matchup against the Jets considering they have yet to win a game. On top of that, the team is well-aware of their pivotal matchup versus the Seattle Seahawks next week.
Regardless, this team has shown a tendency to play down to the level of inferior opponents like the San Francisco 49ers. The onus will fall on McVay and the coaching staff to maintain their sense of urgency and take care of business with a big win.
How to Watch
Time: 1:05 p.m. PT
Location: SoFi Stadium
TV: FOX
