The Rams and Ravens will close out Week 12 on Monday night, squaring off at the Coliseum in Los Angeles. This is a big game for both teams, with Baltimore needing a win to keep pace with the Patriots atop the AFC, while the Rams must win to avoid falling two games behind the final wild-card spot.
It’s going to take strong play from all of the Rams’ starters and a few key backups, but five players, in particular, will have a huge impact on the outcome of this game.
These are the five most important players for the Rams in Week 12.
DT Aaron Donald
The Rams haven’t faced an offense like Baltimore’s, but the Ravens also haven’t gone up against a player of Donald’s caliber. He has the ability to completely wreck an offense’s game plan with his ability to split double-teams and get into the backfield in the blink of an eye. His quickness will have a big impact on the Ravens’ read-option plays, forcing Jackson to make a decision faster than he normally does.
Donald’s pass-rush ability allows the Rams to get pressure on quarterbacks without blitzing. Jackson has been excellent against the blitz this season, so getting pressure with only four rushers is huge, if the Rams can do it. Donald’s penchant for creating negative plays will also put the Ravens in worse situations than they’re used to.