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In Week 7, the Rams dominated the Jaguars 35–7 at Wembley Stadium, with Matthew Stafford throwing five touchdown passes despite the absence of star receiver Puka Nacua. (jaguars.com) Overall, the Rams enter Week 9 at 5–2, riding high off their bye week. They’ve shown flashes of offensive explosiveness — Stafford has spread the ball to 10 different receivers in London — and the defense has delivered impressive pressure and stop-unit performances, generating multiple sacks and forcing mistakes in key moments. Their run defense has tightened up, but they remain somewhat vulnerable in third-down coverage. Statistically, their offense is in the top half of the league in success rate and EPA/play, especially when playing without Puka Nacua, which makes his impending return even more impactful. With the bye in Week 8 allowing rest and minor recoveries, the Rams look sharp and focused as they take on the Saints. (turfshowtimes.com)
Injuries
Offense: - Puka Nacua – WR – Questionable (turfshowtimes.com) - Rob Havenstein – RT – Questionable (turfshowtimes.com) - Tutu Atwell – WR – Out (actionnetwork.com) Defense: - Ahkello Witherspoon – CB – Out (IR) (reuters.com)
Coaching & Scheme
Sean McVay continues to orchestrate a Rams offense that is flexible and multi-faceted, with recent games emphasizing deeper formations and 13-personnel packages — two tight ends, one receiver — to exploit mismatches in the red zone and create isolated coverage vulnerabilities. (turfshowtimes.com) With Puka Nacua and Rob Havenstein nearing return from ankle injuries, McVay may shift back toward his preferred balance: an outside-in passing game fueled by Nacua and Davante Adams, supported by Kyren Williams in short-yardage and RPO settings. Defensively, coordinator Chris Shula has leaned into pressure rate, blitzing more aggressively, especially off the edges and from linebackers, generating six sacks in London including multi-man stunts. The coverage shells have rotated between quarters and halves to mask weaker personnel, notably with Witherspoon out, leaning more zone and bracketed man coverage on outside threats. A true test for Los Angeles will be sustaining offensive efficiency when opponent pass rushes with frequency, and stopping quick-rhythm throws.
Matchup Analysis
The Rams face a Saints team with significant offensive inconsistency and a defense that allows chunk plays downfield. New Orleans surrendered 222 rushing yards in their Week 7 loss to Chicago, showing serious issues versus both interior run-blocking and edge containment. (chicagobears.com) L.A.’s offensive line appears healthier with Havenstein returning; that should give Stafford cleaner pockets — critical against a Saints pass rush led by someone like Payton Turner, but otherwise thin in pass rush rotation. Meanwhile, New Orleans’ secondary features Alontae Taylor (shoulder – limited participation) and Rashid Shaheed (hip – limited) on the injury report, which may force the Saints into matchups where the Rams’ receivers can exploit corners one-on-one. (neworleanssaints.com) If the Saints try to shorten the game via Alvin Kamara, they’ll need to find success early in the game scripts because Rams strong opening drives could force them into negative situation football. Coverage schematic differences matter: the Saints tend to play a lot of Cover 3 and Cover 1 – vulnerable to slot seams and double slants; Rams have enough receiver depth to attack those looks. Defensively, Saints will need to generate pressure without sending too many – Rams move the pocket well and Stafford makes defenses pay when over-aggressive.
Team Summary
Identity for the Rams in 2025 has so far been opportunistic offense combined with bend-but-don’t-break defense. They’ve had shaky moments, but in their wins they’ve flipped the field game after game: dominance in red zone, forcing turnovers, winning special teams and early game possessions. To beat the Saints, Rams must win the line of scrimmage, particularly in coverage and pass protection, prevent chunk plays, and convert short and intermediate throws to maintain consistency. Threats like Adams and Nacua (again active) force Saints to honor both sides of the field, opening running lanes for Williams and play-action shots for Stafford. Their defensive front must neutralize Kamara and deny second-level blocking, while their secondary must not give up big bomb plays. In contrast, Saints need to find rhythm in their passing game — Rattler threw three interceptions last game — and minimize negative plays. They must exploit Rams’ injuries in their cornerback room, but the Rams’ pressure will test that.
Key Takeaway
The decisive theme for the Rams will be their offensive balance returning with Nacua and Havenstein healthy, making them much harder to defend. If they win the turnover battle and protect Stafford, the spread is likely to grow.