SEAHAWKS (6-5) AT RAMS (3-8)
When: Sunday, 1:05 p.m.
Where: SoFi Stadium
TV/Radio: Fox (Ch. 11)/710 AM; 93.1 FM; 980 AM (Spanish); Sirius 85, 225
Line: Seahawks by 7
Notable injury designations: Rams: QB Matthew Stafford (out; neck), DL Aaron Donald (out; ankle), C Brian Allen (questionable; thumb), LB Travin Howard (out; hip), OLB Terrell Lewis (out; back), LB Ernest Jones (questionable; back), CB Troy Hill (questionable; groin), WR Lance McCutcheon (out; shoulder)
Seahawks: RB Travis Homer (questionable; knee/illness), S Ryan Neal (questionable; elbow/shoulder), S Josh Jones (questionable; illness)
What’s at stake? Bragging rights for Rams middle linebacker Bobby Wagner. The Rams want to help Wagner defeat his former team, despite Wagner calling this just another game. Wagner played 10 seasons for the Seahawks before a messy breakup this offseason, which led to Wagner signing with the Rams. Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris revealed that players have been vocal this week about winning this game for Wagner. It’s been a disappointing first season in L.A. for Wagner, but he can play spoiler against his former team. The Seahawks are competing with the San Francisco 49ers for the NFC West title and they’re in the mix for a wild-card spot.
Who’s better? The Seahawks are better than the Rams, which is one of the biggest surprises of the season. Many expected the Geno Smith-led Seahawks to be in the mix for the top overall draft pick and the Rams competing for another Super Bowl title. Instead, it’s the Rams who are competing for the No. 1 draft pick on behalf of the Detroit Lions, who own the Rams’ first-round pick in 2023. The Seahawks quickly rebuilt their roster through the draft after releasing Wagner and trading quarterback Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos. The Seahawks appear to have gotten it right with the draft selections of running back Kenneth Walker III, offensive linemen Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas and cornerbacks Tariq Woolen and Coby Bryant. But those young players might have hit a rookie wall during Seattle’s recent losses to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Las Vegas Raiders. Perhaps the experienced Rams can take advantage of the Seahawks’ recent struggles.
Matchup to watch: Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey against Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf. Ramsey allowed an early touchdown while defending Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce last week, but he put that aside to help the defense have a stout performance in the red zone against the Chiefs’ high-scoring offense. Ramsey has admitted he’s had highs and lows in coverage this season. He’s his toughest critic and he’ll have a tough challenge versus Metcalf, a versatile receiver with size and speed.
Rams win if …: Quarterback John Wolford operates a balanced attack with running backs Cam Akers and Kyren Williams. Wolford will fill in for the injured Matthew Stafford, his first start since Week 10 against the Arizona Cardinals, a game in which Wolford took 12 quarterback hits and three sacks. The Rams’ rushing attack, which has improved in the past two games, can help take pressure off Wolford with a productive outing. Last week, the Seahawks’ defense allowed Raiders running back Josh Jacobs to record 229 rushing yards. Seattle is allowing an average of 153.8 rushing yards per game, fourth worst in the NFL. But if the Rams have success on the ground, Wolford will need to capitalize and make plays with his inexperienced receiving core of Van Jefferson, Tutu Atwell, Brandon Powell and Ben Skowronek.
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Fantasy sleeper: This is not a sleeper pick, but some fantasy football owners might have concerns about Walker after a few underwhelming performances. Start Walker with confidence against the Rams’ defense. Star defensive lineman Aaron Donald will be out with an ankle injury. The Rams’ run defense ranks among the best in the league, but this will be their first game without Donald and run stopper A’Shawn Robinson, who recently tore his meniscus. Also, the edges could be an issue for the Rams with outside linebacker Terrell Lewis ruled out because of a back injury. Walker’s rookie wall might come down versus the Rams’ short-handed defense.
Prediction: The Rams’ best effort will be there because they want to win this one for Wagner and play spoiler against an NFC West rival. But the Rams don’t have enough firepower offensively and 17 points might be enough to beat this injury-depleted Rams squad. The Seahawks take this one 23-13 to hand the Rams their sixth consecutive loss. Beat reporter’s record: 8-3 for the season; 5-5-1 against the spread.