The Los Angeles Rams have been a bit of an enigma. After starting the season a perfect 3-0, they dropped three straight games. After recovering from their losing skid with another two straight wins, the Rams went on their bye week. They return to face the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 10 action.
Los Angeles desperately needs a win to keep pace with the rest of the NFC West. Coming off of their bye, the Rams should dominate the inferior Pittsburgh team, with plenty of gaudy stats to go with the win.
1. Aaron Donald has three sacks
Reigning Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald hasn't matched his incredible statistical output from 2018. Midway through this season, the Pitt product only has five sacks. But a huge turnaround is due soon, and a juicy matchup against the Steelers is the perfect time to do it. Starting left guard Ramon Foster is in concussion protocol, and center Maurkice Pouncey hasn't practiced all week. Donald, one of the best defensive players of recent memory, will be matched up with a couple of backups. The stage is set for Donald to make life very difficult for the entire Steelers offense.
2. The Rams have two 100-yard receivers
This one is especially bold, because the Rams are missing a crucial part of their passing attack. Wide receiver Brandin Cooks has already been ruled out with a concussion.
While this may seem like a big blow, Los Angeles has good depth in the pass-catching department. Backup receiver Josh Reynolds filled in admirably for Cooper Kupp in 2018, and will fill in for Cooks now. Kupp is the most obvious candidate to top 100 yards, as he's been the best receiver on roster for the Rams. Kupp will be matched up with either Joe Haden or Mike Hilton. Either way, Kupp should win his individual game. Fellow receiver Robert Woods will also have a plus matchup, as there aren't enough talented Pittsburgh cornerbacks to go around.
3. The Rams allow fewer than 150 yards passing
The Rams have been a middling defense all season, but this week could be that it turns around. Los Angeles currently ranks as the 19th-best pass defense in the NFL. But the Rams face young backup quarterback Mason Rudolph in Week 10. Rudolph is up-and-down in every sense of the phrase. Some games he looks capable of running the offense flawlessly, and others he looks like he belongs back in college. Los Angeles is a good enough defense to force him into mistakes, especially since Rudolph is playing without two of his offensive linemen.
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