The Los Angeles Rams travel from sunny California to Pittsburgh, Penn., in search of a much-needed win. The Rams (5-3) are riding a two-game winning streak while the Steelers (4-4) just hit .500 after starting 1-4.
This game starts a tough two-week stint for the Steelers as they face their division rivals, the Cleveland Browns, on Thursday night in Week 11. On the other hand, the Rams are coming off their bye.
Since both teams are defensively sound, why are the Rams a 3.5-point favorite on the road?
Rams quarterback Jared Goff carries healthy weapons on his side. The Steelers, however, sit with backup quarterback Mason Rudolph, banged-up running back James Conner, and a young developing receiving core.
Even though the Rams sit as favorites, how can each team win?
Los Angeles Rams
Offensively, Goff needs to play smart. Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick is able to snatch passes all game. So, for Goff and the air game, one weakness shown in the Colts game was the bunch formation. The bunch formation against the Steelers’ zone packages will create problems for Pittsburgh. For example, the Steelers will most likely place a linebacker, safety/nickel cornerback, and cornerback against the three receivers.
In these scenarios, the Steelers tend to take the playoff or miscommunicate. The lack of awareness usually opens up one of the receivers.
Against the Colts, two receivers ran angle routes near the goal line. Fitzpatrick sat back and watched instead of initially making a play. It opened up the first angle route that was originally covered by the linebacker. Combining this with their normal offense can complete a difficult offense to stop.
Defensively, Aaron Donald creating pressure will create turnovers. The Steelers’ offensive line is fairly sound, but Rudolph holds onto the ball longer than most quarterbacks. He ranks 32nd out of 39 quarterbacks for time to throw (2.82 seconds).
Since 2016, Donald leads the NFL in sack time (3.73 seconds). He will be facing a top-tier offensive line, but they have had some complications. If he can stay away from 6-foot-9 Zach Banner and draw double teams, it will open up opportunities for his teammates.
Pittsburgh Steelers
For Randy Fichtner and the offense, utilize whatever players are active. Trey Edmunds, Jaylen Samuels, and James Washington are wild-cards. Besides them, Rudolph has Juju Smith-Schuster and Conner as weapons at his disposal.
All the young studs create havoc for defenses due to lack of film and recognition. This helps Fichtner since he has faced off against cornerback Jalen Ramsey and safety Eric Weddle before. He can create play calls to throw off the Rams’ defense. He is also able to open Rudolph’s game by throwing in play-actions and deep shots too.
Defensively, though, it is a challenge. The surefire defense is facing one of the toughest and healthiest offenses in the country. The Rams’ offensive line ranks fourth in sacks allowed with 10, while the Steelers rank first with eight sacks against them.
T.J. Watt and Bud Dupree help form a dominant defense. Despite the front seven, the famous corner blitzes in Pittsburgh are not picking up many blitzes compared to usual this season.
With a top-notch offensive line, the Steelers need corner blitzes and linebackers to break through. The havoc will create turnovers in the air game.
Prediction
Both coming off of pleasurable weekends, the odds sit favorably to most of the NFL. Currently, Las Vegas seems right with the choice as the Rams will outlast the Steelers in Pittsburgh.
Final: Los Angeles Rams 24, Pittsburgh Steelers 20
