In what will be their biggest test since Week 6 when the Los Angeles Rams welcomed their division rival San Francisco 49ers to the Coliseum, Monday night's game against the Baltimore Ravens holds the highest stakes of the season. While the Rams are desperate for a win in order to keep their playoff hopes alive, they are matched up against a team that no one wants to face.
Winners of six straight, quarterback Lamar Jackson and the Ravens seem like they haven't missed a step since narrowly edging out Cincinnati in Week 6. The Rams will have a tough time trying to stop who many consider to be the league's MVP in Jackson, leading maybe the hottest team in the NFL.
Here are three bold predictions for Monday night's showdown:
3. LA Will Have A Tough Time Stopping Jackson's Runs
Despite having one of the most dominant defensive linemen that we've seen in quite a while, in 2019, teams have actually enjoyed running the ball on the Los Angeles Rams.
The team ranks 11th from the bottom in terms of rush attempts allowed per game and while they do a fairly good job sniffing it out, they have yet to face a quarterback that can run like Lamar Jackson.
What the Rams have to make sure they do not do is let Jackson scramble if he is unable to find open receivers. Every second that Jackson holds the ball in his hands he becomes more dangerous as defenses break down and he is able to find open pockets of space to inflict damage.
If Los Angeles linebackers and linemen are able to collapse on Jackson once the play breaks down, they'll take away one of the Ravens' biggest weapons, if not then good luck.
2. The Rams Will Hold Marquise Brown To Under 80 Yards Receiving
When you have Jalen Ramsey, it isn't so hard to predict that he will be able to slow/shut down the opposing team's best outside receiver. With the spotlight shining so heavily on Jackson, people have overlooked the receivers on the team like Brown who has been struggling for consistency.
Brown has been held to just three games with over 50 receiving yards as Mark Andrews has been Jackson's favorite target when he decides to throw the ball.
In a game that won't be shy about putting up points, keeping the Ravens' big-play receiver in check will be key.
1. Jared Goff Will Have Opportunities Against The Ravens Secondary
Baltimore's defense is stingy in terms of giving up points, holding their last 4 opponents, which include the Texans, Seahawks, and Patriots, to an average of 14 points per game. If there is a weak spot in their defense it's the secondary, ranking middle of the pack in terms of passing yards allowed per game.
If Goff is able to be efficient and accurate throwing the 15-18 yard ball, he will be able to slowly pick away at the defense and open up bigger shots for the Rams to take. I expect to see a lot of Cooper Kupp in this game and if Los Angeles can get their air attack going, it could soften up the middle for Gurley.
The Rams will be in for a fight on Monday, but if there was ever a time to prove you're a playoff team, it's now.
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