The Los Angeles Rams will try to make it three straight wins on Sunday when they host the Cleveland Browns, who boast one of the best defenses in the NFL, if not the best. It’ll be a true test for a Rams offense that’s coming off its most efficient performance of the season, but Cleveland’s offense has some major injury questions that could impact the outcome of this game.
There are some marquee matchups to watch between the Rams and Browns, whether it’s Myles Garrett going up against the Rams’ tackles or Cooper Kupp lining up across from Greg Newsome II.
Here are five of the biggest individual battles to keep an eye on Sunday.
1
LT Alaric Jackson vs. DE Myles Garrett
Garrett isn’t 100% certain to play after injuring his shoulder in Week 12, but assuming he does suit up, it’ll be arguably the toughest matchup of Jackson’s career thus far. Garrett is the Defensive Player of the Year front runner and the highest-graded pass rusher in the NFL by Pro Football Focus, a complete game-wrecker the way Aaron Donald is.
Cleveland’s pass rush generates pressure at the highest rate in the NFL and Garrett is obviously a huge part of that. If the Rams are going to win this game, they’ll need a performance from their O-line similar to the one they had against the Cardinals last week.
2
NT Kobie Turner vs. C Ethan Pocic
Turner has been the Rams’ third-best pass rusher this season behind only Donald and Byron Young, and he’s fresh off a two-sack performance against Arizona. Pocic has a pass-blocking grade of 77.9 this season and has allowed only 11 pressures all season, so this is a marquee matchup for the rookie Turner against a very good center.
Whoever the Browns start at quarterback, pressure up the middle is the best way to make a guy uncomfortable in the pocket and affect the passing game. If Turner can play the way he did in Week 12, it’s going to help the entire defense.
3
CB Ahkello Witherspoon vs. WR Amari Cooper
Cooper is another Browns player who’s banged up, leaving last week’s game with a rib injury. It would be a huge blow to Cleveland’s already-struggling offense if he can’t play, but if he’s out there, Witherspoon will need to be at his best.
Cooper is a slick route-runner with great hands and elusiveness after the catch, which isn’t exactly the type of receiver Witherspoon excels against. This is a critical matchup for the Rams if Cooper is able to play.
4
S Jordan Fuller vs. TE David Njoku
Fuller is fresh off the best game of his season, breaking up four passes with two near-interceptions. He’ll be matched up often with Njoku, who’s in the midst of one of his most productive seasons in the NFL. Njoku is a physical freak with impressive athleticism, which allows him to make contested catches and win down the seam.
Fuller has to limit big plays to the Browns’ tight end the way he did with Trey McBride a week ago.
5
WR Cooper Kupp vs. CB Greg Newsome II
Newsome is the Browns' primary slot defender so Kupp will be going up against him when aligned inside, which is pretty often. Kupp has been quiet in his last five games, failing to crack even 50 yards receiving, but Newsome has allowed 333 yards in coverage and two touchdowns this season.
He's also missed eight tackles so there could be opportunities to pick up big yardage after the catch for Kupp.
