RAMS (3-7) AT CHIEFS (8-2)
When: Sunday, 1:25 p.m.
Where: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Mo.
TV/Radio: FOX (Ch. 11); 710 AM; 93.1 FM; 1330 AM (Spanish); Sirius 133, 382
Line: Chiefs by 15½ points
Notable injury designations: Rams: QB Matthew Stafford (out; concussion), C Brian Allen (out; thumb), LB Travin Howard (out; hip), DL A’Shawn Robinson (out; knee), TE Tyler Higbee (questionable; knee), LT Ty Nsekhe (questionable; ankle), WR Allen Robinson (questionable; ankle), OL Matt Skura (questionable; knee)
Chiefs: OG Joe Thuney (questionable ankle), WR Kadarius Toney (out; hamstring), S Juan Thornhill (questionable; calf)
What’s at stake? For the Rams, opportunities to evaluate younger players amid a disappointing season. For the Chiefs, a take-care-of-business game to keep pace in the race for the top seed in the AFC playoffs. These two teams are heading in opposite directions with seven games left in the regular season. This was supposed to be a highly anticipated matchup between two Super Bowl contenders, but the Rams have struggled for assorted reasons this season and are entering Arrowhead Stadium with a four-game losing streak, their longest skid ever under Coach Sean McVay.
Who’s better? The Chiefs and it’s not even close. The Rams’ defense has a tough task against quarterback Patrick Mahomes, tight end Travis Kelce and the rest of the Chiefs’ high-powered offense. Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford was ruled out because he’s in the concussion protocol and will likely be replaced by third-string quarterback Bryce Perkins, a 2020 undrafted free agent. Stafford operated one of the worst offenses in the NFL during his nine starts this season, a unit that will be without star receiver Cooper Kupp for a second consecutive game. But perhaps the mobile Perkins, with a revamped offensive scheme, could give the Rams’ offense a much-needed boost in Kansas City. The Rams probably have no chance against the Chiefs if the game turns into a shootout, but using a run-heavy offense that controls the clock increases their odds of pulling off the upset. The Rams recorded a season-high 148 rushing yards against the New Orleans Saints last week.
Matchup to watch: Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who is in need of a bounce-back game, against Kelce, who had three touchdowns against the Chargers last week. Ramsey allowed multiple explosive plays while in coverage against the Saints last week. Ramsey rarely shadows players, but the Rams might need him to do that against Kelce if they want to keep this game competitive. The Rams’ defense only has one takeaway since Week 2. Perhaps Ramsey can end that drought Sunday against the Chiefs.
Rams win if: … Perkins makes plays downfield with his arm – if he gets the start. Perkins has the athleticism to extend plays, but that won’t do him favors if he struggles with his accuracy, which was the case last week in New Orleans while filling in for Stafford. The Chiefs will probably focus on stopping the run to entice Perkins into trying to make plays with his arm. Perkins has a daunting challenge for his first career start – if he gets the start.
Fantasy sleeper: Rams rookie running back Kyren Williams. The team made it clear that they’re prioritizing the younger players for the final seven games of the season after waiving veteran running back Darrell Henderson. Williams, the team’s fifth-round pick, will split carries with Cam Akers, but expect the Notre Dame product to be heavily involved in the offense. Williams might need to contribute in the passing game if the Chiefs jump out to an early double-digit lead.
Prediction: It would be one of the biggest upsets in the NFL this season if the Rams are able to defeat the Chiefs and their mighty offense. Anything is possible, but the Rams’ offense doesn’t have enough firepower to hang with Mahomes and Kelce. The Rams will cover and they’ll record a takeaway, but the Chiefs will cruise to a 34-20 victory. Beat reporter’s record: 7-3 for the season; 5-4-1 against the spread.
