RAMS (2-4) at LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (3-3)
When: 1:25 p.m. Sunday
Where: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas
TV/Radio: FOX (Ch. 11)/710 AM; 93.1 FM; 1330 AM (Spanish); Sirius 262, 193
Line: Rams by 4.5
Notable injury designations
Rams: OUT: LB Nate Landman (concussion); QUESTIONABLE: WR Puka Nacua (calf), CB Trent McDuffie (groin).
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Raiders: OUT: WR Dont’e Thornton (hamstring), TE Carter Runyon (foot); QUESTIONABLE: RB Mike Washington (foot/back).
What’s at stake? The Rams desperately need a win after losing two straight on the final plays of the game. The team sits in last place in the NFC West and needs to get some momentum going so it can dig itself out of this hole. Similarly, the Raiders are trying to end a three-game losing streak of their own.
Who’s better? The edge probably still goes to the Rams by virtue of their defense and Matthew Stafford, but the gap closed significantly when wide receiver Davante Adams and defensive linemen Kobie Turner and Poona Ford were placed on injured reserve.
Matchup to watch: Rams linebackers vs. Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty. Down Turner and Ford – their primary run stoppers up the middle – the Rams are in a precarious position against one of the more exciting and explosive running backs in the NFL. Then throw in the fact that Landman can’t play due to his concussion. This matchup will come down to if Omar Speights and practice squad linebacker Eric Kendricks can stay off blockers long enough to stop Jeanty near the line of scrimmage.
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Rams win if: They hold Jeanty below 120 yards rushing. … WRs Konata Mumpfield, Jordan Whittington and Tutu Atwell combine for eight receptions to take pressure off Kyren Williams and the tight ends. … They can build a two-touchdown lead and put pressure on quarterback Kirk Cousins to make plays with his arms.
Fantasy sleeper: Rams TE Tyler Higbee. More attention might fall on the Rams receivers with Adams and potentially Nacua both out, but Stafford likes guys he trusts in adverse moments and Higbee has earned that over the last six years.
Prediction: Rams 21, Raiders 17. Beat reporter’s record: 2-2 overall; 2-2 against the spread.
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