The Los Angeles Rams have a Week 6 bye, but the rest of the NFL is business as usual. Here are three games to keep an eye on this week as a Rams fan.
What Games Should You Watch During the Rams Bye?
San Francisco 49ers vs Seattle Seahawks
An NFC West Thursday Night Football matchup that you were probably watching anyway, the 49ers vs. Seahawks, is crucial for a Rams fan. Both teams have high-powered offenses and electric defenses, with plenty of star-studded names to boot. The most interesting duel will be between the head coaches.
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan remains one of the sharpest offensive minds in the NFL. Despite losing 2023 Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey for an unknown period, his backup Jordan Mason is second in the league with 536 rushing yards. This is a testament to Shanahan’s ability to design a scheme where any player can come in and be productive. Shanahan is also the godfather to many modern offensive coaches, including the Packers’ Matt LaFleur and the Rams’ very own Sean McVay.
On the other hand, Seattle boss Mike Macdonald is a top defensive head coach in the league. Formerly the defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens, Macdonald became the youngest head coach in the NFL this offseason at just 37. While his defense has looked sharp at times, it has not been as consistent as some Seahawks fans imagined. Last week, the New York Giants exposed Seattle without the help of their first-round receiver, Malik Nabers. Giants signal-caller Daniel Jones threw for 257 yards and two touchdowns against Macdonald’s defense, but the true casualty was on the ground. Rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. ran for 129 yards on just three carries, gashing Seattle’s run defense.
With both teams coming off a loss, this Thursday is an opportunity for both teams to play at their best and compete for a win. As a Rams fan, it may feel disgusting to root for the 49ers, but keeping the division close is LA’s best hope for a playoff push.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Las Vegas Raiders
It’s always helpful to scout your next opponent on a bye week. When the Raiders host the Steelers on Sunday, Rams fans will get an early glimpse at their Week 7 opponent.
The Raiders will have a new-look offense this week, starting quarterback Aidan O’Connell in place of Gardner Minshew. O’Connell played 11 games for Raider Nation last season, throwing for 2,218 yards, 12 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. The talent difference between the two signal-callers is not drastic. However, O’Connell was part of Las Vegas’ end-of-season run last year, which saw them beat the Los Angeles Chargers 63-21 and the Kansas City Chiefs 20-14 on Christmas Day. Las Vegas had the eighth-worst passing offense ranking with Minshew, and with Minshew Mania officially suspended for the time being, it remains to be seen what difference the change will make.
The true difference maker for Las Vegas is defensive end Maxx Crosby. Crosby ranks fifth in the NFL with five sacks and is still a game-wrecker for offensive coordinators. Rams fans should analyze how the Steelers’ offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith, blocks Crosby and the rest of the defensive line. With the offensive line being a big concern for the Rams, McVay may look to borrow ideas from Pittsburgh in preparation for Week 7.
Green Bay Packers vs Arizona Cardinals
The final matchup for an NFC West team in Week 7 comes when the Cardinals travel to Lambeau Field. While the Rams fell to the Packers last week, they will need them to beat the Cardinals to keep the division race close. After beating the 49ers, the Cardinals will be looking to rack some wins up against softer opponents in the Chargers, Dolphins, and Bears. Green Bay beating Arizona would put the latter at a 2-4 record, closer to Los Angeles.
Both teams are efficient when running the ball, as Arizona ranks third in yards per rush with 5.6 yards, while Green Bay is fifth with 5.2. They can also produce explosive runs, with the Cardinals producing eight runs of more than 20 yards and the Packers notching seven. Expect both teams to test each other’s run defenses on Sunday.
Packers receiver Jayden Reed will be the key to his team’s success – as he is in every game for the Packers. His speed and athleticism make him a danger in the run game, while his route-running keeps defensive backs honest on passing downs.
For Arizona, keep an eye on rookie receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. The rookie had an underwhelming performance last week, only catching two passes, however against an injury-riddled Packers secondary his connection with quarterback Kyler Murray should improve.
Week 6 will be an important week for Rams fans when it comes to the NFC West race. While the team itself waits for the return of Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, some favorable results from other teams could bring back some form of hope for a season that feels lost.
Main Image: Gary A. Vasquez – USA Today Sports