Rams (5-10) at Chargers (9-6)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, Calif.
TV: CBS
Tipico Sportsbook line: by 7
Rams’ keys to victory: They should lean on RB Cam Akers, who is coming off a 118-yard, threetouchdown performance on the ground against the Broncos. Facing a Chargers defense that entered Week 15 allowing the seventh-most rushing yards per game (145.6) and yards per carry (5.4) could spell success for the Rams. Defensively, the Rams need to replicate their six-sack performance from Week 16 and carry it over to make QB Justin Herbert uncomfortable. Getting solid coverage from the secondary and preventing the pass is just as vital.
Chargers’ keys to victory: Herbert is facing a Rams defense that entered Week 15 ranked 23rd in passing defense DVOA. The Rams will likely get pressure, so the Bolts must incorporate play-action to let Herbert get outside the pocket, where he’s been really good. On defense, the Chargers must be stout up front and on the edges, tackling in space to slow Akers.
Matchup to watch: Rams CB Jalen Ramsey vs. Chargers WRs Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. Ramsey will be primarily lined up across from Williams on the outside, but he will still have matchups against Allen in the slot. Since Allen and Williams have returned, the Bolts’ passing offense has been rejuvenated.
Who wins? When the schedules were released, this had all the makings of a heated battle. Now the Chargers are in the thick of the playoff chase while the defending Super Bowl champion Rams have seen their season fall apart. With the No. 5 seed in the AFC within their reach, the Bolts win this one.
Chargers, 27-14
Chargers