Rams (5-11) at Seahawks (8-8)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, Lumen Field, Seattle
TV: Fox
Tipico Sportsbook line: Seahawks
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Rams’ keys to victory: When these teams met a month ago, Seattle’s underrated superstar duo of WRs DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett were on fire. Together, they combined for 17 catches, 256 yards and two touchdowns. The Rams will need their corners, especially Jalen Ramsey, to cover both of them tighter. While he’s the best cover cornerback in the league, Ramsey has had particular trouble matching up against Metcalf ’s size.
Seahawks’ keys to victory: This team has put together one of the worst pass rush performances in the NFL. The Seahawks’ sack numbers are decent but they rank near the bottom in most advanced pass-rush stats. To win this matchup they’ll need to buck that trend and get more pressure on QB Baker Mayfield, who’s given the Rams offense some life since being picked up in December. OLB Uchenna Nwosu has been Seattle’s only consistent pressure producer this season, so the Seahawks will need somebody else to step up.
Matchup to watch: Rams LB Bobby Wagner vs. Seahawks OC Shane Waldron: In their first meeting this season, Wagner almost single-handedly beat his former team, posting three tackles for a loss, an interception and two sacks. Waldron has to find a way to contain a clearly highly motivated Wagner.
Who wins? Truthfully, the Seahawks were lucky to escape with a win last time considering how Sean McVay coached circles around Pete Carroll and company. Expect the Rams to take advantage of a chance to play the spoiler.
Rams, 31-27