Los Angeles Rams vs Baltimore Ravens: Less exciting than expected

MVP Lamar

One of the best teams last year, the LA Rams are playing way below the expectations this year. There were some changes in the roster, but nobody expected them to struggle like this. 6-4 record might not seem that bad at the first sight, but when we take into consideration that they are in the same division with the 49ers (10-1) and the Seahawks (9-2), it's obvious that they cannot afford to lose many more games if they want that wildcard spot. Last week they got back on the winning track by beating the Bears at home. But Chicago is another underperforming NFC team, with one of the worst QB plays in the league. That game did very little to prepare them for Lamar Jackson.

Speaking of Lamar, he is probably the most exciting player to watch this year. Ravens did the right thing by letting him "do his thing". They are not shying away from using his insane athleticism and let him run for the first downs. He's averaging more than 70 rushing yards per game. Something we haven't seen from a QB in the NFL for years now. Defenses have to account for him as a runner, which opens up space for the running back to go straight through the middle and also draws linebackers in, making defenses vulnerable against the play-action pass.

Rams improved defense

Ravens are 8-2 at the moment, mostly thanks to Jackson and are cruising towards the AFC North title and the spot in the playoffs. They won 6 in a row and are coming off of a convincing 41-7 win over another playoff contender - Houston Texans. They are also averaging more than 42 points per game since returning from their bye week.

Rams offense is not playing up to their usual standards, but defensively they did fix some of the issues that were pestering them earlier. Their run defense was struggling since Wade Phillips took over as a defensive coordinator, but this year, they are actually second in the league, allowing only 3.3 yards per carry. When looking at the Ravens passing game, most of the passes go through the middle, when Jackson climbs the pocket. Vs the Rams and their interior pressure created by Aaron Donald, that is not easy to do. They also have a couple of linebackers that are pretty capable in coverage, like Cory Littleton.

Rams vs Ravens best bet

On the other side, Rams' offense is struggling because of the inability to run the ball as well as some earlier season. They ain't scaring anybody with it, which is why the play-action is not working either and Jared Goff seems lost without it. They can't get any rhythm going and with the depth that Ravens have at the cornerback position, I don't see them suddenly coming to life, throwing against guys like Humphrey, Jimmy Smith, and Marcus Peters.

Seeing all those crazy highlights by Lamar Jackson and the way they've been able to rack up points against their previous opponents, the market pushed this total pretty high. But in my opinion, both defenses match up pretty well against their opposition and can slow them down.