After clinching a spot in the playoffs, the Chargers will now play for postseason seeding. This weekend, they take on the Rams, marking the first time the two teams play each other in a regular season game at SoFi Stadium.
To get you prepped for the Week 17 bout, here are some key things to know about Los Angeles’ opponent ahead of the matchup.
Missing key players
The Rams’ defense has heavily relied on star defensive tackle Aaron Donald. But the team has been without him over the past month, as he has dealt with a high ankle sprain. Donald, who made his ninth Pro Bowl, has amassed 49 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, five sacks, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery in 11 games. On the other side of the ball, wide receiver Cooper Kupp will also be out. The reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year has been sidelined for multiple games after ankle surgery. Kupp has 75 catches for 812 yards and six touchdowns. WR Allen Robinson is also on injured reserve after season-ending foot surgery.
The man under center
Since being signed after previously playing with the Panthers to start the season, quarterback Baker Mayfield has shown he fits the scheme with his flashes in his three performances. Mayfield led a 98-yard game-winning drive in his Rams debut against the Raiders. This past Sunday, he completed 24 of his 28 passes for 230 yards and two touchdowns in a 51-14 rout of the Broncos.
Cam Akers has found his footing
There had been a point in the season where running back Cam Aker’s name had been swirling surrounding trade rumors. However, nothing came out of it, and upon returning to the starting lineup, Akers has played admirably well. Akers has run 64 times for 285 yards and six touchdowns over the last four games, including a 118-yard and three-touchdown performance against Denver.
Hasn’t been at his best
Jalen Ramsey has been touted as one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL for many years. But this has been a bit of a down year for Ramsey. Ramsey has allowed a completion percentage of 64.1%, 13.0 yards per reception, and a passer rating of 109.3.
Other notes
- The Rams’ offensive line has allowed the second-most sacks (34).
- The Rams rank 24th in offensive DVOA, 22nd in passing defense DVOA, and 24th in rush offense DVOA.
- The Rams rank 16th in defensive DVOA, 20th in passing defense DVOA, and 7th in rush defense DVOA.
- After Kupp, tight end Tyler Higbee is the Rams’ leading receiver, with 65 receptions for 576 yards and three touchdowns.