Bengals (0-7) vs. Rams (4-3)
Rams schedule
W ...... at Carolina ...... 30-27 W ..... New Orleans ..... 27-9 W .... at Cleveland .... 20-13 L ...... Tampa Bay ...... 55-40 L ....... atSeattle ....... 30-29 L ..... San Francisco ..... 20-7 W ...... at Atlanta ...... 37-10 Oct. 27 Cincinnati (Lon.) 1 Nov. 3 .............. BYE .............. Nov. 10 at Pittsburgh 4:25 Nov.17 .... Chicago .... 8:20 Nov. 25 ... Baltimore ... 8:15 Dec. 1 .... at Arizona .... 4:05 Dec. 8 ...... Seattle ...... 8:20 Dec. 15 .... at Dallas .... 4:25 Dec. 21/22 ..... at SF ..... TBD Dec. 29 Arizona Rams 4:25
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Wembley Stadium, London
TV: CBS
Danny Sheridan’s line: by 12 ⁄2
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Bengals’ keys to victory: Protecting QB Andy Dalton has been an issue all season. Their offensive line might be the worst in the NFL, and on Sunday it will be challenged by DT Aaron Donald and the Rams’ pass rush. Cincinnati also ranks near the bottom of the NFL in total defense. DT Geno Atkins is still one of the better interior defenders in football and needs to have a big game against Los Angeles’ offensive line, which also has struggled.
Rams’ keys to victory: The Rams are banged up on defense and have a new-look secondary following injuries and trades, so the coverage is a work in progress. CB Jalen Ramsey is the star of the defensive backfield now and should be even more comfortable in his second start with the Rams, but CB Troy Hill and S Eric Weddle need to step up in coverage, too, especially if WR A.J. Green is available for Cincinnati. The offense, which has declined since last season, must move the ball on the ground.
Matchup to watch: Bengals WR Tyler Boyd vs. Rams CB Jalen Ramsey. Boyd has been the Bengals’ No. 1 wide receiver this season with Green out, and he’ll likely be treated as such by the Rams. Don’t be surprised if Ramsey draws the assignment of covering Boyd.
Who wins? The Bengals are one of only two remaining winless teams and have shown few signs of life. It’s hard to imagine them coming up big against the Rams, who have a talented roster despite myriad injuries. Sean McVay won’t let former understudy Zac Taylor pull off the upset.
Rams, 34-27
Rams