Seahawks (6-2) at Rams (5-3)
Sunday, 4:25 ET, SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, Calif.
TV:
Danny Sheridan’s line:
Fox
Rams by 1 1⁄
2
Seahawks’ keys to victory: Unlike past Seattle teams, this one is built on outscoring opponents rather than winning with defense and a strong ground game. That’s what happens when you let QB Russell Wilson cook. The Seahawks will most likely find ways to score against a quality defense, but this one will come down to whether Seattle can pressure QB Jared Goff and contain LA’s receivers. Seattle’s pass rush has been lacking, but it must come alive.
Rams’ keys to victory: Seattle’s defense ranks among the worst in the league, so the Rams shouldn’t have much trouble moving the ball down the field and finding the end zone. However, the Seahawks are scoring points in bunches, and Wilson is having an MVP-caliber season. Los Angeles has to generate pressure on Wilson from sources besides just DT Aaron Donald. OLB Leonard Floyd needs to contain Wilson in the pocket, and ILB Micah Kiser must not let him pick up big yardage when he does scramble.
Matchup to watch: Seahawks WR DK Metcalf vs. Rams CB Jalen Ramsey. Metcalf has emerged as a star in his second season, bullying defensive backs. But that’ll be tough to do against Ramsey, who’s a true lockdown cornerback – one built like a safety but who can run with any receiver.
Who wins? There’s a lot working in the Rams’ favor. They’re fresh off a bye and will get several key defenders back from injury, and Seattle will be on the road again after a trip to Buffalo last week. The Rams will rebound from a disappointing Week 8 loss. Rams 31-28
– Cameron DaSilva
Rams Wire