Titans (6-2) at Rams (7-1)
Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET, SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California
Tipico Sportsbook line: Rams
Titans’ keys to victory: The Rams’ offense has been tough to slow down, and getting into a shootout with QB Matthew Stafford isn’t the best way to beat them. Unfortunately, the Titans won’t have All-Pro RB Derrick Henry, who suffered a potential season-ending foot injury in Week 8. They will have to lean on QB Ryan Tannehill and the passing game. Tennessee’s offensive line has struggled to protect Tannehill, allowing the fourth-most sacks in the NFL, but it will need to step up against DT Aaron Donald and the Rams’ relentless pass rush. Getting the ball into WR A.J. Brown’s hands fairly often is essential.
Rams’ keys to victory: All season, the offense has gone through Stafford and WR Cooper Kupp. There’s no reason for that to change against the Titans, who have been susceptible to the pass. Tennessee does have a good pass rush, but with the way the Rams’ offensive line has been playing, Stafford should still have plenty of time in the pocket.
Matchup to watch: Titans WR A.J. Brown vs. Rams CB Jalen Ramsey. This is a heavyweight battle between two of the best players at their respective positions. Brown has had a somewhat quiet season, and facing a secondary that’s led by Ramsey won’t do him any favors. The Rams haven’t been using Ramsey to shadow opposing receivers, but this might be an exception.
Who wins? The Rams have cruised through the last portion of their schedule, and now they’ll face a real test in the Titans. With Henry out, the Rams will win this one at home.
Rams 27, Titans 17