The Washington Commanders get a shot at the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday in Week 9, and the matchup comes with plenty of pressure on both sides. Washington enters at 2-4-1 after last week’s 27-10 win over the Philadelphia Eagles, while the Rams arrive at 4-4 trying to build momentum after being pegged before the season as one of the league’s top teams.
The betting line has already moved a bit, too. Los Angeles opened as a 6-point favorite, but that number has dropped to 4.5 points in recent days.
Injuries are a major part of the story. Since Week 6, the Commanders have lost Terry McLaurin, Daron Payne and Javon Kinlaw for the season.
Washington is also without Treylon Burks for this game, while Dyami Brown has joined McLaurin and Jaylin Lane on injured reserve. That leaves Jayden Daniels leaning heavily on Stefon Diggs, rookie Antonio Williams and tight end Chig Okonkwo.
Bryan Manning sees a game that stays competitive before Los Angeles finishes the job. He pointed to Washington’s improved pass rush and healthier secondary, along with defensive coordinator Daronte Jones’ blitz-heavy approach, as a way to make life uncomfortable for Matthew Stafford. But he also noted the challenge up front for the Commanders, especially against Myles Garrett and Aaron Donald.
“Expect a close game, but the Rams win late.”
Rams 27, Commanders 23
Ivan Lambert also expects Washington to hang around, but he likes the Rams to edge it out in the end. He highlighted the fact that the Commanders are home while Los Angeles is traveling east for a 1 p.m.
ET kickoff. He also pointed to Washington’s receiver losses, the Rams’ league-best yardage differential, and the possibility that Daniels could attack a Rams secondary missing two corners.
Rams 27, Commanders 24
Serena Burks did not make a pick this week.
Ariana Pensy took a similar view of the matchup, saying Washington’s defense should keep the Commanders in the game and create problems for Stafford, but that Los Angeles has too much firepower on both sides of the ball. She noted that the Rams may be short on pass-catchers, yet still have Puka Nacua, while Garrett’s return gives the Rams’ defensive front even more bite alongside Aaron Donald.
“Daniels still hasn’t turned the ball over this season, but if the Commanders make any major mistakes, the Rams will capitalize.”
Rams 27, Commanders 21
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