The Rams will face their toughest test of the season on Monday night when they take on the Baltimore Ravens at the Coliseum. Los Angeles needs a win to keep pace in the NFC playoff race, while Baltimore is trying to move closer to securing an AFC North crown.
This is a rare matchup between these two teams, but it’s sure to be an exciting one. There are ties all over the place, with Marcus Peters being traded by the Rams to the Ravens this year, Eric Weddle facing his former team, and Kenny Young playing against the team that traded him last month.
Here are five things to know for Monday’s showdown in Los Angeles.
Both defenses dominating since Ramsey, Peters trades
The Rams sent Marcus Peters to the Ravens before the trade deadline, acquiring Jalen Ramsey later on that day. They were both stunning moves, but the Rams and Ravens have each benefitted from the trades. Since Peters and Ramsey made their debuts in Week 7, the Rams and Ravens have elevated their play on defense significantly.
The Rams are first in points allowed (44) in their last four games, while the Ravens are second (56). The Rams’ point differential in that span is only plus-46, and Baltimore’s is plus-101 – 47 points better than the next-closest team.
The Ravens have allowed a passer rating of just 69.6 in their last four games, second-best in the NFL, and the Rams are seventh at 78.9.