Los Angeles Rams vs. Baltimore Ravens Preview: Clash of Well-Coached Units in Week 14
When the Los Angeles Rams (6-6) visit the Baltimore Ravens (9-3) on Sunday, they’ll be providing fans with a matchup of two incredibly well-coached teams. Rams head coach Sean McVay’s ability (or lack thereof) to toy with Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald could be a deciding factor.
There’s little question that on paper, Baltimore is a step ahead. As a true Super Bowl contender, quarterback Lamar Jackson headlines one of the league’s most well-rounded rosters. Linebacker Roquan Smith and safety Kyle Hamilton are superstars patrolling the middle of the field. Both have been crucial to a defense that has already embarrassed the likes of the Detroit Lions and Seattle Seahawks.
Rams head coach Sean McVay (right) with former Rams (and current Ravens) WR Odell Beckham Jr.
USA Today
Baltimore’s defense is elite, but much less stingy against opposing ground games, where their success rate ranks 13th (compared to third against the pass). Running back Kyren Williams will be asked to once again continue his hot streak to help win the Rams’ fourth consecutive game.
In the two games since his return from injured reserve, he’s logged 316 yards from scrimmage and three scores.
Elsewhere, it will be interesting to see if quarterback Matthew Stafford continues to lean on esteemed rookie receiver Puka Nacua instead of Cooper Kupp. The latter is not playing at 100 percent and Nacua isn’t playing pain-free either, but it’s hard to imagine the Rams escaping with a win without a star performance from one of them.
Closing that gap is on McVay, but Los Angeles defensive coordinator Raheem Morris’ impact has already made this one closer than many anticipated when the season began. He has this defense ranking 16th in expected points added per play while having essentially one household name. The steps tackle Kobie Turner and linebacker Ernest Jones have taken have solidified an inexperienced unit ahead of Week 14.
The Ravens are justifiably favored by about a touchdown. Regardless of the outcome, fans should expect to see some quality football and a chess match between two staffs filled to the brim with coaching talent.
WHAT: Los Angeles Rams (6-6) vs. Baltimore Ravens (9-3)
WHERE: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD (71,008)
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, 10 a.m. (PT)
TV: FOX
RADIO: ESPNLA 710 AM, Tu Liga 1330 AM
ODDS: Rams +7.5 (-118), +285 Moneyline, Total: 39.5 (o -125/u +100)
