The Los Angeles Rams will take on the New York Giants this weekend, a game that has significant playoff implications for the Rams, but none for Big Blue. The Rams can clinch a playoff berth with a win and Seahawks loss, so this battle in the Meadowlands is a big one for Los Angeles.
When these two teams take the field at MetLife Stadium, there will be several individual matchups worth keeping an eye on. They could even decide the outcome of the game one way or another.
Here are five of the most important matchups to watch on Sunday afternoon.
1
WR Puka Nacua vs. CB Deonte Banks
Banks is uncertain to play after suffering a shoulder injury in Monday’s game, but he’s the Giants’ primary boundary corner so he’ll match up with Nacua a bunch. Puka is coming off a game where he caught nine passes for a career-best 164 yards and a touchdown against the Saints, and as he approaches the single-season rookie receiving record, he could be in for another big game.
Nacua will have an even greater advantage if Banks is out, potentially thrusting Tre Hawkins into a bigger role at cornerback.
2
C Coleman Shelton vs. NT Dexter Lawrence
Lawrence is the Giants’ best defensive player, leading the team with 60 total pressures in 14 games. He’s an impact defender against both the run and the pass, so he’s someone the Rams have to be very aware of — similar to the way opponents always have to know where Aaron Donald is.
The Giants’ run defense still ranks among the league’s worst despite having the talented nose tackle in the middle, but he’s someone who can create negative plays often if Shelton isn’t at the top of his game.
3
LB Ernest Jones vs. RB Saquon Barkley
Barkley is what makes this offense go. He doesn’t have much help around him and his offensive line is terrible, but Barkley is still as elusive as he’s always been and can impact the game as a runner and receiver.
Fortunately for the Rams, they have one of the best young linebackers in football. Jones is playing at an incredibly high level right now, from pressuring the quarterback as a blitzer to stopping the run and covering the middle of the field. This is a fun matchup to watch when the Giants are on offense.
4
DB Quentin Lake vs. TE Darren Waller
Lake has done a fantastic job as the Rams’ slot defender this season and even earned PFF Team of the Week honors last week for his performance against the Saints. This week, he’ll get Waller and Wan’Dale Robinson in the slot, but Waller is the much bigger concern for the Rams.
When healthy, Waller is a game-changer with his size and athleticism at tight end. He often lines up in the slot, too, which is where Lake will match up with him throughout the afternoon. The Giants’ receiving corps isn’t very impressive on paper but Waller is a big-play tight end who will need some additional attention from the defense.
5
DT Aaron Donald vs. LG Justin Pugh
Donald has gone three games without a sack and he only has a half-sack in his last six games overall, but this is a perfect time for him to get back on the sack train. He's going up against Pugh, who he's faced a lot from Pugh's time in the NFC West with the Cardinals.
The Giants have allowed an NFL-high 77 sacks this season, 16 more than any other team. Expect Donald and the Rams' other pass rushers to be in the backfield often when Tyrod Taylor drops back to pass. It'll be more about whether they can chance him down and get him on the ground.
