Riding a five-game win streak, the Rams (8-2) look to carry that momentum into Week 12 taking on the Buccaneers (6-4) on Sunday Night Football. Kickoff from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood is scheduled for 5:20 p.m. pacific time on NBC.
In advance of the contest, here is your First Look at Rams-Bucs, presented by Hyundai.
Notable Buccaneers additions
- Selected former Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka 19th overall in the first round of this year's draft: With veterans Mike Evans and Chris Godwin both missing extended time due to injury this season, Tampa Bay has leaned heavily on Egbuka as a focal point of the passing attack, and he's delivered an Offensive Rookie of the Year-caliber performance thus far with 45 receptions for 717 yards and six touchdowns in 10 games.
- Selected former Oregon wide receiver Tez Johnson 235th overall in the seventh round of this year's draft: Like Egbuka, Johnson has seen an expanded role with Evans and Godwin sidelined, and has flashed explosive playmaking with his speed – see his 45-yard touchdown catch in Week 6 against the 49ers.
Top performers in Week 11
Quarterback Baker Mayfield completed 16 of 28 pass attempts for 173 passing yards and one touchdown against one interception in the Bucs' 44-32 road loss to the Bills last Sunday.
With Bucky Irving missing his sixth-straight game due to foot and shoulder injuries, running back Sean Tucker led Tampa Bay's backfield with 19 carries for 106 yards and two touchdowns, as well as two receptions for 34 yards and a receiving touchdown.
Wide receiver Sterling Shepherd led the Bucs' receivers with 54 receiving yards on four receptions.
Tampa Bay's defense created three takeaways – two interceptions, and recovering a forced fumble – but it didn't stop Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen from scoring six total touchdowns.
On special teams, kicker Chase McLaughlin made both of his field goal attempts and both of his extra point attempts, while punter Riley Dixon averaged 40.3 yards per punt across four punts.
Early storylines to watch, and what they mean for the Rams
The Bucs may be short-handed offensively, but they've proven capable of producing explosive performances, even with Evans, Godwin and all-purpose running back Irving all missing games due to injury this season. Look no further than last week's 32-point effort against the Bills, or the fact that they've scored at least 20 points in all but one game to this point. As the Rams defense has come to learn this season, shorthanded offenses are not to be underestimated.
Beyond that, there are major short-term and long-term implications at stake on Sunday for Los Angeles.
The 8-2 Rams have gained control of their own division postseason destiny, now leading the NFC West and up to the No. 2 seed in the NFC. The 6-4 Buccaneers, leaders of the NFC South, have their own division pole position to maintain as well as playoff aspirations. While the playoffs don't start today, this game will be consequential for both teams in the NFC playoff picture.
