RAMS (11-3) at SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (11-3)
When: 5:15 p.m. Thursday
Where: Lumen Field, Seattle
TV/Radio: Amazon Prime/710 AM; 93.1 FM; 1330 AM (Spanish); Sirius 225, 226
Line: Rams by 1.5
Notable injury designations
Rams: DOUBTFUL: WR Davante Adams (hamstring/knee); QUESTIONABLE: DE Braden Fiske (ankle).
Seahawks: OUT: OT Charles Cross (hamstring).
What’s at stake? The winner of this game takes control of first place in the NFC West with a one-game lead with two games left to play. The Rams can clinch the tiebreaker over the Seahawks with a second win in the season series. And the loser falls to fifth or potentially sixth in the NFC standings.
Who’s better? The Rams won the first game, and have done nothing since to show themselves to be a worse team four games later. And while the Seahawks have caught the Rams again in the standings, last weekend’s poor performance by the offense in sloppy conditions gives reason to doubt they can keep up with the Rams on Thursday.
Matchup to watch: Rams CB Cobie Durant vs. Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba. It will always be a committee approach against this particular receiver, but Durant had success in this matchup last time with one interception and reception allowed on two targets while in coverage. And without Quentin Lake at star corner, the Rams will rely on Durant more against Smith-Njigba when he’s lined up in his usual slot position.
Rams win if: They rush for at least 150 yards, particularly in the wet conditions expected in Seattle. … They average at least 3.0 yards per play on first down and put themselves in favorable positions on second and third downs against the Seahawks defense. … They can get five quarterback pressures and keep Seahawks QB Sam Darnold uncomfortable.
Fantasy sleeper: WR Tutu Atwell. The Rams will need someone to step up in the passing game even if Adams plays Thursday. Atwell doesn’t typically play the X-receiver, but knows every receiver position’s job within the offense and could play a role in Seattle.
Prediction: Rams 24, Seahawks 17. Beat reporter’s record: 12-2 overall; 9-5 against the spread.
