Browns (7-4) at Rams (5-6)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California TV: Fox
Spread (BetMGM):
Rams by 4.5
Browns’ keys to victory: With QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson under center, the Browns offense is all about running the ball. If Cleveland can move it on the ground with RBs Jerome Ford and Kareem Hunt, it will be able to shorten the game and limit the number of possessions for the Rams. Grabbing a lead is essential, too, because it will allow the Browns’ pass rushers to be aggressive if Los Angeles is forced to throw the ball and play catch-up. Cleveland was top-10 in the NFL with 34 sacks.
Rams’ keys to victory: The Rams are only an average team against the run, allowing about 4 yards per carry on the season. The Browns are going to try running it to protect their rookie quarterback from DT Aaron Donald and the Rams’ pass rushers. LA has to clog up running lanes and limit the Browns’ rushing attack. LT Alaric Jackson and RT Rob Havenstein will be essential players for the Rams, going up against DE Myles Garrett and Cleveland’s edge rushers. Protecting QB Matthew Stafford is priority No. 1.
Matchup to watch: Rams’ Jackson vs. Browns’ Garrett. Garrett is one of the top candidates for Defensive Player of the Year, and he gets a favorable matchup against Jackson, who’s in his first full season as a starter at left tackle. Garrett has 13 sacks.
Who wins? The game will come down to whether the Rams can move the ball against one of the league’s best defenses. The LA offense looked much better with RB Kyren Williams back (143 rushing yards, 61 receiving yards). He could be the difference.
Rams, 17-16