NFL
By: George Lopez
The Los Angeles Rams return to SoFi Stadium for a Christmas Day matchup against the Denver Broncos. The Rams are coming off a 24-12 defeat to the Green Packers that dropped their record to 4-10 and officially ended their postseason chances. The Broncos are coming off a 24-15 win over the Arizona Cardinals, giving them the same 4-10 record as the Rams. Both teams are looking at the remaining schedule to end the season on a high note.
Rams Offense vs Broncos Defense
In their loss to the Packers, quarterback Baker Mayfield completed 12-21 passes for 111 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception. Mayfield was also sacked 5 times in the game as the Rams used their 14th different offensive line combination in 14 games. Early in the game, starting center Brian Allen left the game with a calf injury and did not return. The team announced Allen will miss the rest of the season. At times, Mayfield looked hesitant in the passing game, with TE Tyler Higbee leading the team with 4 receptions. The passing game never got on track as the pass protection was not able to constantly contain the Packers pass rush. The Broncos defense enters the game with 35 sacks and gives up an average of 194 passing yards a game. Look for the Broncos defense to take advantage of the Rams issues with pass protection and put a tremendous amount of pressure on Mayfield. WR Ben Skowronek will miss the remainder of the season with a calf strain, which puts more strain on the Rams passing game.
The Packers defense gives up an average of 154 games rushing and the Rams were held to 72 yards on 17 carries. RB Cam Akers led the way with 65 yards on 12 carries. The Rams will face a more formidable Broncos defense which gives up an average of 114 yards rushing per game. With the Rams inconsistency on their offensive line, look for Coach Sean McVay to go with a shorter passing game. Coach McVay will also look to establish the running game early.
Rams Defense vs Broncos Defense
Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson sat out the game against Arizona even though he had cleared the concussion protocol. Wilson is expected to play Sunday against the Rams. On the season, Wilson completes 60% of his passes for 2805 yards with 11 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. Wilson has not played up to the expectations Broncos fans had when the team traded for him. WR Courtland Sutton leads the team with 52 receptions for 688 yards and 1 touchdown. WR Jerry Jeudy is 2nd on the team with 49 receptions for 663 yards. Look for Rams CB Jalen Ramsey to shadow Jeudy and DB Troy Hill to shadow Sutton when the Rams go to man coverage. During his time with the Seattle Seahawks, the Rams did have success containing Wilson and putting pressure on him. Aaron Donald is listed as questionable this week. Getting him back on the field would be a boost to the Rams interior pass rush. Edge rusher Leonard Floyd will be looked upon to contain Wilson in the pocket on one side of the Rams defense. On the opposite side, Michael Hoecht has shown a lot of promise opposite Floyd. Hoecht and Floyd will need to maintain outside discipline and keep Wilson in the pocket.
The Broncos running game is led by Latavius Murray with 510 yards and 4 touchdowns. On the season, the Broncos average 107 yards rushing. The Rams allowed 138 yards rushing against the Packers. The Rams defense allows 104 yards a game. Look for the Broncos to go to their running game early and often. The Rams defensive line has been having difficulties getting off their blocks, which is allowing wide-open running lanes. The loss of Donald the past few games has hurt the Rams interior run defense. Murray is more of a north-south runner and LB Bobby Wagner and Ernest Jones will be looked upon to plug the inside running lanes.
Prediction
The Broncos defense gives up an average of 18 points per game while their offense only averages 15 points per game. The Rams average 16 points per game while their defense allows 22 points per game. Look for a sluggish, low-scoring game with the Broncos coming away with a Christmas victory.
Broncos 17
Rams 10
