Rams (6-6) at Ravens (9-3)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore
TV: Fox
Spread (BetMGM):
Ravens by 7
Rams’ keys to victory: QB Matthew Stafford is still not fully recovered from a right thumb injury he suffered against Dallas, but he has looked sharp the last two weeks, and he’ll need to continue a quick passing attack, mixed in with efficient rushing attempts for talented RB Kyren Williams. Williams and RB Royce Freeman offer a highly gifted duo to counter the physicality and strength of Ravens LBs Patrick Queen and Roquan Smith. On the outside, Rams head coach Sean McVay will look to get creative by integrating TE Tyler Higbee into the passing game. The Rams will look to scheme WRs Tutu Atwell, Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua into advantageous matchups.
Ravens’ keys to victory: Success will start up front for C Tyler Linderbaum and OL John Simpson in critical matchups with Rams All-World DT Aaron Donald. The Rams are in the bottom third of the NFL in sacks. They are middle of the pack in rushing yards per game and bottom third in most rushing touchdowns allowed. Baltimore could benefit from a onetwo punch of Gus Edwards and Keaton Mitchell, while scheming WRs Zay Flowers and Odell Beckham open in critical situations.
Matchup to watch: Ravens CB Brandon Stephens vs. Rams’ Nacua. Nacua has produced at an elite level as a rookie. With Marlon Humphrey battling injuries this season, Stephens could see time on Nacua and Cooper Kupp.
Who wins? The Rams are in contention but travel to face a rested Ravens defense starting to get critical contributors back.
Ravens, 31-17