Jaguars (2-9) at Rams (7-4)
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California TV: Fox
Tipico Sportsbook line: Rams by 12 ⁄2
1
Jaguars’ keys to victory: The Jaguars have their work cut out for them against a star-studded Rams defense. In order for Jacksonville to move the ball on offense, it will need to throw to its running backs and tight ends against the Rams’ linebackers. That’s the weakest part of Los Angeles’ defense, and the middle of the field is where QB Trevor Lawrence should throw most of his passes. Defensively, it’s all about OLB Josh Allen and the Jaguars’ pass rush getting pressure on QB Matthew Stafford. Interior pressure has led to turnovers by Stafford, so the Jags could get some push in the middle to complement their edge rushers.
Rams’ keys to victory: Outside of CB Shaquill Griffin, the Jaguars don’t have a cornerback capable of sticking with the Rams’ receivers. The Jags are actually decent against the run, so this is a game the Rams should trust Stafford to win by airing the ball out. WR Cooper Kupp shouldn’t have trouble racking up the yardage out of the slot against a struggling secondary, especially if Griffin remains on the outside. DT Aaron Donald, OLB Von Miller and OLB Leonard Floyd can have a big impact by getting to Lawrence.
Matchup to watch: Jaguars LG Andrew Norwell vs. Rams’ Donald. It’s tough for teams to focus so much attention on Donald now with Miller also rushing the passer, so that’ll likely often leave Norwell against Donald.
Who wins? As long as Stafford takes care of the ball and the Rams don’t commit costly errors to keep the Jaguars in the game, Los Angeles will cruise.
Rams, 31-17