The Rams will host Seattle in Week 11 at SoFi Stadium with first place in the NFC West on the line. Kickoff on Sunday is scheduled for 1:05 p.m pacific time on FOX.
In advance of the contest, here are 3 Keys to Winning for the Rams, presented by The Law Offices of Jacob Emrani (CallJacob.com).
1) Keep pressure away from quarterback Matthew Stafford
The Seahawks rank third in the league in pressure rate (40.4%), despite blitzing at the second-lowest rate in the NFL, according to Next Gen Stats. If the Rams can keep the pocket clean for Stafford like they have all season (their 28.1% pressure rate allowed is the sixth-lowest), then he can continue torching the defense by working through his progressions.
2) Continue converting in the red zone
The Seahawks have averaged 30.6 points per game this season, ranking third in the NFL, and have scored at least 27 points in each of their past three games. Obviously, the Rams' defense is hoping to hold them to fewer than that, but they will still need to score touchdowns in the red zone, and not settle for field goals, to come out on top. Over the Rams' past three games, they have found the end zone on 12 of their 13 red zone trips (not counting drives including game-ending kneel downs), and they will need to continue that success on Sunday in a matchup between two of the league's best offenses.
3) Get Seattle to third-and-long
On third downs with seven or more yards to go, Seattle has the second-lowest conversion rate in the NFL at 17.6%, according to nflverse data. These are the situations where the defense has "earned the right to rush the passer," as head coach Sean McVay often says. If the Rams can stuff the run on early downs and force quarterback Sam Darnold to throw downfield in obvious passing situations, then defensive coordinator Chris Shula's creative looks and dime personnel packages will help them get stops.
