Rams (8-0) at Saints (6-1)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, Superdome, Orleans
TV: Fox
Danny Sheridan’s line: by 2
Rams’ keys to victory: Take advantage of a slow Saints defense. RB Todd Gurley could have trouble against a solid Saints run defense, but that hasn’t been how the Rams have won so many games. Competing with an intelligent, high-flying attack through the air will give Saints coach Sean Payton a taste of his own medicine. Rams coach Sean McVay is the best in the game right now when scheming guys into easy yards gained after the catch, so it’ll be tough for Saints defenders LB Demario Davis and SS Vonn Bell in coverage. This is also a sneaky revenge game for WR Brandin Cooks, who was shut down by Saints CB Marshon Lattimore last year while playing for the New England Patriots.
Saints’ keys to victory: Not letting up on offense. The Saints have an offense that can threaten the Rams in a couple of ways — through two key pass-catchers, RB Alvin Kamara and TE Ben Watson. The Rams defense is among the worst in the league in catches, yards and touchdowns allowed to those positions. QB Drew Brees is still a legitimate MVP candidate at 39 years old, and he should carve up a vulnerable Rams secondary.
Matchup to watch: Saints WR Michael Thomas vs. Rams CB Marcus Peters. Thomas’ numbers have declined while other weapons have emerged, while Peters has steadily returned to form. Both are among the best at what they do.
Who wins? The Saints are one of the only teams that can match the Rams offense, but their defense will come up just short.
Rams, 35-33 Mercedes-Benz New
Rams RAMS SCHEDULE
W ....... at Oakland ....... 33-13 W ............ Arizona ............ 34-0 W ..... L.A. Chargers ..... 35-23 W ........ Minnesota ........ 38-31 W ......... at Seattle ......... 33-31 W ......... at Denver ......... 23-20 W...at San Francisco...39-10 W ........ Green Bay ........ 29-27 Nov. 4 .at New Orleans .4:25 Nov. 11 ....... Seattle ....... 4:25 Nov. 19 K.C. (Mex. City) 8:15 Nov. 25 ............... Bye ............... Dec. 2 ......... at Detroit ......... 1 Dec. 9 ........ at Chicago ........ 1 Dec. 16...Philadelphia...8:20 Dec. 23 ..... at Arizona ..... 4:05 Dec. 30 .San Francisco .4:25
L ...... TampaBay ...... 48-40 W ...... Cleveland ...... 21-18 W .. at Atlanta .. 43-37 (OT) W ...atN.Y.Giants ...33-18 W .... Washington .... 43-19 Oct.14 ............. Bye ............. W .... atBaltimore .... 24-23 W ...atMinnesota ...30-20 Nov. 4 .... L.A. Rams .... 4:25 Nov.11...atCincinnati...1 Nov.18 ...Philadelphia ...1 Nov. 22 ..... Atlanta ..... 8:20 Nov. 29 .... at Dallas .... 8:20 Dec. 9 ... at Tampa Bay ... 1 Dec. 17 .. at Carolina .. 8:15 Dec. 23 .. Pittsburgh .. 4:25 Dec. 30 ...... Carolina ....... 1