HOW THEY MATCH UP
RAMS (9-1) VS. KANSAS CITY (9-1)
When Rams have the ball
The Rams’ high-powered offense will need every element working to keep pace with the Chiefs. Quarterback Jared Goff has shown in the last few weeks that he can maintain his poise and avoid turnovers late in the game. Running back Todd Gurley has rushed for 100 yards or more in five games, including the Rams’ Week 10 victory over the Seattle Seahawks. He has scored a league-best 17 touchdowns and could equal or break LaDainian Tomlinson’s NFL record of 31 touchdowns in a season if he has a monster finish. Receiver Cooper Kupp suffered a season-ending knee injury against the Seahawks, so Josh Reynolds will start in his place. Pharoh Cooper also could be available after coming off injured reserve. Coach Sean McVay and Goff have increased the role of tight ends Gerald Everett and Tyler Higbee. Both caught touchdown passes against the Seahawks, and they will force the Chiefs to pay attention to all eligible receivers. The Rams’ offensive line must hold off a Chiefs defense that is among the league leaders with 31 sacks. Linebacker Dee Ford has nine sacks, lineman Chris Jones seven. Linebacker Justin Houston had been sidelined because of injury but he played in Week 10 against the Arizona Cardinals and intercepted a pass.
When Chiefs have the ball
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes is showing why the Chiefs traded Alex Smith to the Washington Redskins. A second-year pro, he has passed for 31 touchdowns and leads the NFL’s highest-scoring offense. Running back Kareem Hunt has run for 754 yards and seven touchdowns. He also has six touchdown catches. Rams cornerback Marcus Peters will be on the spot against the team that traded him despite two Pro Bowl seasons in his three years. Hunt and receivers Tyreek Hill and former Ram Sammy Watkins combine with tight end Travis Kelce to give Mahomes numerous big-play targets. The Rams were penalized multiple times for personal fouls, roughing-the-passer and unsportsmanlike-conduct penalties in Week 10 against the Seahawks. Tackles Aaron Donald and Ndamukong Suh and edge rusher Dante Fowler were among those cited. If that becomes a trend, the Chiefs can make them pay in other ways. The Rams gave up 273 yards rushing against the Seahawks. They rank 23rd in the NFL in yards rushing allowed per game. That’s not a good position to be in facing Hunt, the defending NFL rushing champion.
When they kick
Rams Pro Bowl returner Cooper was recalled from injured reserve, but McVay said that JoJo Natson would continue to return punts. Kicker Greg Zuerlein has made 14 of 16 field-goal attempts. The Chiefs’ Harrison Butker has made 16 of 17. Neither team punts often, but the Rams’ Johnny Hekker and the Chiefs’ Dustin Colquitt could play key roles.
Gary Klein’s prediction
If the game was played in Mexico City, as originally scheduled, the Rams’ long trip to train and bond in Colorado would give them an advantage. But with all that has occurred off the field in the last few weeks, the Chiefs might be too much for the Rams to overcome, even with an emotional crowd backing them up.
CHIEFS 38, RAMS 34