In their last games, the Rams faced defeat against Miami with a score of 23-15, while the Patriots secured a victory over Chicago, winning 19-3. Analyzing the teams’ offensive statistics reveals that the Rams rank 17th overall, 26th in rushing, 8th in passing, and 20th in scoring. Conversely, the Patriots sit at the bottom of the league, ranking 32nd in all categories, including overall offense, rushing, passing, and scoring, with their defense ranked 19th overall.
Notable individual performances are expected in the upcoming game. For the Rams, outside linebacker Byron Young has been impressive, achieving a sack in three consecutive games. His most recent performance against Miami included four tackles, two tackles for loss, and a significant takedown of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. On the Patriots’ side, quarterback Drake Maye stands out, averaging 9.3 yards per rush with a total of 233 yards on 25 attempts, presenting a potential threat to the Rams’ defense.
A crucial matchup to watch will be between the Rams’ offensive line and the Patriots’ defensive front. The Patriots showcased their defensive strength last week with a remarkable nine-sack performance. They will aim to pressure a Rams offensive line that has been hindered by injuries. The Rams are hopeful for the return of right tackle Rob Havenstein, who missed the previous game due to an ankle injury. In his absence, Joe Noteboom struggled, but he too is dealing with an ankle issue. If both are unable to return, Warren McClendon Jr. may take the field.
Injuries are a concern for both teams. For the Patriots, defensive end Deatrich Wise, who recorded two sacks last week, is managing a foot injury. Safety Kyle Dugger has been limited in practice with an ankle injury that has sidelined him for the last three games. The last encounter between the two teams broke a six-game losing streak for the Rams against the Patriots, while New England has a perfect postseason record versus the Rams.
In terms of statistics, the Rams struggled in their previous game, failing to score touchdowns on three red-zone possessions, and now have a conversion rate of only 33.3% in their losses. Tight end Davis Allen demonstrated improvement with season highs in receptions and receiving yards, suggesting a shift in the passing game’s hierarchy. Additionally, Rams linebacker Jared Verse continues to impress, securing multiple tackles for loss and sacks in recent games. On the defensive side, the Rams are allowing 5.7 yards per play, which is concerning for a team trying to improve its performance.
For fantasy enthusiasts, Maye seems like a wise pick, especially since he joins Lamar Jackson as the only quarterbacks with a run of at least 15 yards in four consecutive games this season. Given that the Rams’ defense is currently allowing an average of 127.6 rushing yards per game, the likelihood of Maye extending his streak appears favorable.