The New England Patriots host the Los Angeles Rams in a matchup between middling teams. Winners of two of their last three games, New England uses solid defense and a balanced running attack to stay competitive against more talented opponents. Following a Monday night loss at home to the Dolphins, Los Angeles is searching for answers after its recently potent offense failed to deliver a touchdown. The Rams are favored in this matchup and looking to stay in the NFC playoff picture.
How to watch Rams at Patriots
Settling for five field goals against Miami, the Rams reverted back to their early-season form that often failed to execute timely plays. Nearly last in the NFL converting in the red zone (30th) and on third down (25th), Matthew Stafford and the offense previously had the excuse of missing Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua to injury.
With the star receivers back, the spotlight shifts to finishing drives with touchdowns. A disjointed Los Angeles running game is partly to blame. The Rams are 31st in rushing yards per play, with lead back Kyren Williams struggling to find lanes.
New England’s defense held the Bears to only a field goal after delivering nine sacks and has been playing with a lot of confidence lately against bad offenses.
There’s nothing special about New England’s offensive approach. The Patriots aim to establish the run to make the game plan easier for rookie QB Drake Maye. Within New England’s conservative scheme, Maye’s impressive 9.3 yards per carry gives the Patriots’ passing game a scrambling element missing with recent quarterbacks.
The Rams defense will try to slow down the run (eighth in rushing yards per play) while forcing Maye into mistakes. The Los Angeles defense — among the top 10 in sack rate (ninth) and interception rate (sixth) — could pressure Maye throughout this Week 11 contest.
Los Angeles Rams vs. New England Patriots odds
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(Photo of Drake Maye: Michael Reaves / Getty Images)