HOW THEY MATCH UP
When Rams have the ball
A week after the Minnesota Vikings shut down his team’s high-scoring offense, Rams coach and play-caller Sean McVay will try to reboot. Quarterback Jared Goff did not turn over the ball against the Vikings, but he was held without a touchdown pass for the first time since a Week 7 victory over Arizona. Goff is completing 61% of his passes, 16 for touchdowns, with four interceptions. Last season against the Saints, in his second NFL start, Goff played well in the first half and then struggled. Goff faces a new challenge because the Rams are without leading receiver Robert Woods, who suffered a shoulder injury against the Vikings. Sammy Watkins is expected to play a larger role, and Tavon Austin finally could be utilized as a receiver. Pharoh Cooper, Mike Thomas and rookie Josh Reynolds also will get opportunities. Running back Todd Gurley has rushed for eight touchdowns and scored on three pass plays. He rushed for 20 yards in the first quarter against the Vikings but was limited to 17 the rest of the game. The Saints ranks ninth in the NFL against the pass and 13th against the run. But they are without their two top cornerbacks and end Alex Okafor because of injuries. They still have end Cameron Jordan, who has eight sacks, and safety Vonn Bell, their leading tackler.
When Saints have the ball
Future Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees leads the NFL’s most productive offense. The Saints are second in passing and third in rushing and scoring. Brees, in his 17th season, is completing 72% of his passes, 15 for touchdowns, with five interceptions. In last week’s 34-31 overtime victory over the Washington Redskins, Brees completed 29 of 41 passes for 385 yards and two touchdowns, with one interception. His favorite receiver is Michael Thomas, the former Woodland Hills Taft High and Ohio State standout who has 65 catches, two for touchdowns. Rookie running back Alvin Kamara (48 catches), receiver Ted Ginn Jr. (35) and tight end Coby Fleener (21) are other top targets. Mark Ingram, the 2009 Heisman Trophy winner, has rushed for a team-best 806 yards and eight touchdowns. The Rams entered the week with questions at cornerback. Kayvon Webster was cleared from concussion protocol and will start opposite Trumaine Johnson. Slot corner Nickell Robey-Coleman is doubtful, so safety Lamarcus Joyner could double as a slot corner in certain situations. Last week, the Rams got pressure on Case Keenum, but failed to sack the Vikings quarterback. Aaron Donald and other members of the Rams’ front seven cannot afford Brees the same luxury.
When they kick
Greg Zuerlein leads the NFL in scoring with 115 points. But after failing to get into field-goal range against the Vikings, the Rams must find a way to create opportunities for their most consistent scoring threat. Zuerlein has made 28 of 29 field-goal attempts. Punter Johnny Hekker is averaging 46.8 yards per kick. Pharoh Cooper averages 30.2 yards per kick return, which ranks ninth in the NFL. He averaged 10.4 yards per punt return. Saints kicker Wil Lutz has made 22 of 26 field goal attempts. Thomas Morstead averages 47.3 yards per kick.
Gary Klein’s prediction
This is the Rams’ second consecutive game against an NFC opponent that appears bound for the playoffs. The Saints have an eight-game winning streak, but it will be difficult to maintain after a long trip.