The Rams head to Washington on Sunday afternoon with a chance to push their season record above .500 for the first time, and they’re carrying real momentum into Week 9.
Los Angeles has already shaken off its ugly loss to the Cardinals. Since then, the Rams have ripped off back-to-back double-digit wins over the Raiders and Chargers, a stretch that has put them back at 4-4.
Washington, meanwhile, is coming off a statement win of its own after beating the Eagles 27-10 on Monday Night Football, though the Commanders are still only 2-4-1 overall. At home, they’ve gone 2-1-1.
The betting market hasn’t given much away on the side. The spread opened and has stayed put, while the total has dipped from 48.5 to 47.5.
SI Betting’s Iain MacMillan likes the Rams in this spot, and he sees a team that’s better than its record suggests.
“The Rams are a better team than they get credit for, and they're better than their early-season record. There is no denying that they're dealing with a plethora of injuries, but the Rams are still a top-10 team in almost every area.
The Rams are at their best when they're able to establish the run to help open up the passing game. Now they get to face a Commanders team that's 31st in opponent rush success rate.
The Commanders are dealing with injuries of their own, and I have doubts about Jayden Daniels' ability to carry his team to a win without any big-time weapons to lean on.
If you’re giving me the Rams as less than six-point favorites against the Commanders, I’m taking them every day of the week. Los Angeles has found its form in the last two weeks, and Washington’s home record doesn’t scare me.
The Rams should be able to use their passing game to get an early lead, and then run the Commanders’ defense into the ground the rest of the contest.”
That’s the case for Los Angeles heading into Sunday: a team finding its rhythm, a Washington defense that has struggled against the run, and a matchup that could tilt quickly if the Rams get ahead early.
In Other News...
Commanders May Be Getting The Rams Defense They Didnt Want
The pass rush the Commanders were hoping to avoid appears to be back on the menu in Week 9. Myles Garrett has been working his way back from knee surgery, and after practicing all week, the star edge rusher is expected to be activated from Injured Reserve ahead of Los Angeles game against Washington.
The Rams are still evaluating his readiness before making it official, but the signs point toward him being available Sunday. For a Commanders offense already staring at a tough matchup, the timing could hardly be worse if Garrett is cleared to suit up. [Read more 🡒]
Commanders Suddenly Have A Short-Week Roster Squeeze Before Rams Game
Washingtons short week is already turning into a roster-management test before the Rams arrive, with the receiver room taking on some early wear and tear. Treylon Burks missed both practices because of a foot injury, while Dyami Brown was limited with a calf issue, leaving the Commanders to juggle health and availability as they try to get through a quick turnaround.
The moves on the transaction wire showed how tightly things are being managed, with Robert Henry Jr. activated and Ricky Barber moved onto the active roster as Washington keeps patching together depth. The Rams are dealing with their own injury concerns and roster shuffling, including promoting kicker Joshua Karty, so both sides are heading into the matchup with more questions than theyd like for a game that is coming up fast. [Read more 🡒]
Commanders Cannot Afford To Reopen The Brandon Aiyuk Drama
Brandon Aiyuks situation is back in the spotlight as he applies for reinstatement with the NFL after the dispute that landed him on San Franciscos reserve/left squad list. He is expected to report to the 49ers facility, but there is still no clear answer on whether he actually wants to play for them again or whether the team wants him back, which keeps the whole matter hanging over the league a little longer.
For Washington, the important part is simpler: the Commanders already moved on during the offseason and should resist any temptation to reopen that door now. The receiver room has been filled out since then, and with Antonio Williams, Stefon Diggs and Treylon Burks in place, the club has little reason to revisit a drama it already chose to leave behind. [Read more 🡒]