In Week 12, the Los Angeles Rams defeated the Arizona Cardinals 37-14, perhaps displaying their most cohesive performance of the year. They have an even tougher draw in Week 13.
The Cleveland Browns, who are without starting quarterback Deshaun Watson, will visit town on Sunday. Dorian Thompson-Robinson, a rookie, was meant to replace him, but Cleveland will probably turn to seasoned Joe Flacco after suffering significant hits last week.
If so, that will be his season-opening move.
It fits well with Los Angeles’ recent defensive performance that the Browns don’t have much of an offensive weapon. This young team appears to be coming together at the ideal moment after limiting the Seattle Seahawks to 16 points and the Cardinals to 14.
On the other hand, Cleveland does a great job of making up for its lackluster offense. Its defense is unquestionably among the best in the league, with sizable advantages over the opposition in terms of success rate and expected points added.
The Browns have plenty of talent on this side of the ball, led by defensive end Myles Garrett. They possess the cover corners to quiet receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, especially when the former is injured, and the pass rush to disrupt the Rams’ vertical passing game.
This one could quickly turn ugly. It will be up to players like Aaron Donald of the Rams and Garrett to put pressure on the opposing quarterback in what could be a race to 20. Matthew Stafford, the quarterback for Los Angeles, will surely face difficulties. It will be crucial to make sure that Cleveland’s snap-taker experiences the same degree of pressure.
Expect whoever wins the turnover battle to come away with this one, boosting their playoff positioning and delivering a critical blow to the loser.
WHAT: Los Angeles Rams (5-6) vs. Cleveland Browns (7-4)
WHEN: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA (70,240)
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023, 1:25 p.m. (PT)
TELEVISION: FOX
RADIO: ESPNLA 710 AM, Tu Liga 1330 AM
ODDS: Rams -3.5 (-110), -188 Moneyline, Total: 40.5 (o -110/u -118)