There are a lot of reasons to like the Los Angeles Rams in Sunday’s game against the Washington Commanders, a perfect bounce-back spot for Sean McVay’s team following last week’s dramatic loss to the Baltimore Ravens. There are also a few small causes for concern.
This is the fourth time the Rams are facing a team coming off a bye, and Washington could be desperate for a win with Rob Rivera’s seat heating up. Not to mention, the Rams have some injury concerns of their own.
1
Facing a desperate Washington team coming off a bye
The Commanders will be the Rams’ fourth opponent this season that’s coming off a bye. In the first three instances, the Rams lost each game, including last week’s overtime battle with the Ravens.
The Commanders aren’t nearly as good as the Steelers, Cowboys and Ravens — the other three teams Los Angele faced after a bye — but there are clear benefits that come with having a week off. Washington will be well-rested and is likely to have a good game plan after having an extra week to prepare for the Rams. There will be a level of desperation in Washington with Ron Rivera’s job potentially on the line in the last four weeks.
2
Rob Havenstein's uncertain status
Havenstein is questionable to play on Sunday, which is bad news for the Rams. It sounds like he’ll be a game-time decision so they could very well be missing their stud right tackle this weekend. Joe Noteboom is a decent replacement but Havenstein is not only a leader for Los Angeles, but arguably their top offensive lineman.
The run game, in particular, could suffer against the Commanders when the Rams try to run right with Kyren Williams.
3
Bouncing back from an emotional overtime loss
The Rams didn’t have to play a ton of extra snaps in overtime because both teams went three-and-out before the Ravens’ walk-off punt return, but it was still an emotional and draining loss. The game was back and forth, several players came away banged up, including Havenstein and Tutu Atwell.
It’s possible the Rams will get off to a little bit of a slow start as they find their footing after such a physical and tough game in Baltimore a week ago.
