The Los Angeles Rams are still alive in the playoff hunt after finding themselves on the brink just a couple of weeks ago. However, they still have a long way to go to get to January. This week’s obstacle to that goal is the Cleveland Browns. Here’s a look at the situations of both teams heading into the contest, featuring a look into injuries and the offense and defense of both teams.
Rams Playoff Picture
The Rams currently sit in the ninth seed of the NFC playoff picture. The Packers are ahead of them at eight, but Rams fans would rejoice to know that Green Bay faces the Kansas City Chiefs this weekend, so there’s a great chance that the Rams will get to get a game back on the team with a win over the Browns. Putting specific scenarios aside, the Rams need to hold off their seventh loss for at least another two or three weeks to keep a 10-7 record as a realistic possibility. At 10-7, most teams make the postseason, so that is the goal aside from winning out.
Rams vs Browns Injuries
The Rams are as healthy as they’ve been in quite some time. Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua, and Kyren Williams as well as Matthew Stafford appear to be fully ready to play.
However, the Browns are not nearly as healthy with upwards of a dozen players listed as questionable for the contest. Dorian Thompson-Robinson, Kareem Hunt, Amari Cooper, Wyatt Teller, Myles Garrett, and Denzel Ward are the most notable names on the roster at risk of missing the contest.
Rams: Offense and Defense
The Los Angeles Rams hover around the middle of the pack as a unit on the offensive side of the ball. They rank 17th in yards per game, 16th in points per game, 14th in rushing yards per game, and 14th in passing yards per game. On the defensive side of the ball, they hover around average or just barely below average. They rank 16th in yards per game on defense, 14th in passing yards allowed per game, 18th in rushing yards allowed per game, and 16th in points allowed per game.
Browns: Offense and Defense
The Browns are a menace in one category of the offense and struggle in other ways. They’re ranked 20th in total yards per game, 27th in passing yards per game, 3rd in rushing yards per game, and 15th in offensive points per game.
On the defensive side of the ball, there is no one better, many are arguing. The stats say as much in multiple categories. The Browns rank 1st in yards per game allowed, 1st in passing yards allowed, 12th in rushing yards allowed, and 7th in points allowed.
The game is set to be a rushing battle between the two offenses. The Browns move the ball best on the ground while the Rams will hope to avoid the Browns’ stout secondary as much as possible. This easily could be a speedy quick game with both teams incentivized the rush the ball routinely. It also could be a game that scores below 24 total points between the two teams.
For the Rams to leave any breathing room in 2023, they’ll need to have the majority of those points. Will Rams fans have something to celebrate on Sunday?