Right off the bat, the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks will square off in a divisional battle at Lumen Field. It’s the first time they’ve played in September since Sean McVay arrived in 2017, so this is a rare early-season meeting between these teams.
The Seahawks have the edge coming into this one, entering as the favorites to beat the Rams on Sunday. It’s not hard to see why, given the losses the Rams suffered this offseason.
Buy Rams TicketsThe Rams would desperately like to end their two-game losing streak to the Seahawks after getting swept last year, but it’ll be a challenge against a talented Seahawks team.
1
Cooper Kupp’s absence
Not having the 2021 Offensive Player of the Year will affect not only the way the Rams game plan for this one, but their play on the field. Matthew Stafford will be without his best receiver, forcing less proven players into bigger roles.
We saw what the Chiefs looked like without Travis Kelce, and while I don’t think the Rams’ receivers will be as bad as Skyy Moore and Kadarius Toney, the offense could struggle to move the ball consistently through the air without Kupp.
2
The pass rush
Who besides Aaron Donald is going to rush the passer for the Rams this week – or all season, for that matter? Leonard Floyd is gone and the Rams didn’t exactly do much to replace him, which means they’ll rely on Michael Hoecht, Byron Young and other backups to generate pressure.
That’s not exactly a recipe for success, but it’s what Los Angeles is rolling with. If the Rams can’t pressure Geno Smith and keep him uncomfortable in the pocket, they could be in for a long day against the pass.
3
Containing Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf
Speaking of the Seahawks’ passing attack, it starts with two guys: Lockett and Metcalf. It’s one of the best tandems in the NFL, each bringing a unique skill set to the table. Lockett is smaller and quicker, doing a lot of damage in the slot and on the outside. Metcalf is a true X-receiver on the boundary, using his rare combination of size and speed to win on all levels of the field.
So who is going to cover them? Cobie Durant will probably get Lockett a bunch, while Ahkello Witherspoon and Derion Kendrick could be responsible for Metcalf. Advantage: Seahawks.
4
Run defense vs. Seahawks’ ground game
The Seahawks are going to lean on Kenneth Walker III in this one, with rookie Zach Charbonnet also mixing in at times, too. The Rams really struggled against the run in the preseason and while many starters weren’t playing in those games, it’s still a major concern – especially against the physicality that the Seahawks present on the ground.
Los Angeles just doesn’t have much size on the interior with Greg Gaines and A’Shawn Robinson gone, and now Bobby Wagner is back in Seattle, too. Stopping the run could be a challenge on Sunday.
