The Los Angeles Rams and Las Vegas Raiders game will feature two teams that are both having interesting seasons. Both teams entered the season with high hopes, but neither has lived up to the hype. The Raiders are on a three-game winning streak and still have some hope of making the playoffs, while the Rams have been written off. Despite everything, these teams do offer three matchups that are worth watching on Thursday Night Football. Let’s analyze them.
Matchup No. 1: Raiders HC Josh McDaniels vs. Rams HC Sean McVay
Whenever two talented teams square off and the rosters are similar, you always opt for the team with the better coach. However, in this instance, McDaniels has the advantage because his team has a stronger roster and has been performing well over the last three games. This does not imply that you should underestimate McVay. The matchup will become complicated if McDaniels falters against McVay, as he must keep calling excellent games.
To defeat an undermanned Rams squad in Week 13, Geno Smith had to have one of his best performances. McVay will find a way to keep his teams competitive as long as he is in charge. McDaniels, you don’t need to play it safe; play it like your season is on the line. Continue to win to maintain your playoff hopes.
Matchup No. 2: Davante Adams vs. Jalen Ramsey
Ramsey has had a down year, while Adams is on pace for a career year. However, this does not negate the reality that this matchup will be exciting for any football fan. Ramsey faces a difficult challenge because Adams is coming off of a season-high 177 yards against the Seahawks. With all due respect to Ramsey, I don’t believe he desires one-on-one matchups with Adams. The Rams will likely have multiple players trying to slow down the best receiver in the game. As skilled as both players are technically, their tendency to engage in trash talk makes this clash particularly interesting. Grab some popcorn and watch these two do battle during Week 14’s first game of the week.
Matchup No. 3: Josh Jacobs vs. Bobby Wagner
The Rams’ defense won’t have an easy day because they already have to deal with Adams, but they also need to be mindful of Jacobs. Jacobs has the most rushing yards and scrimmage yards in the league going into the contest. Fortunately for the Rams, ESPN ranks their run defense as the fourth-best in the league. Bobby Wagner, their defensive anchor, just played his best game of the year with two sacks and one interception. “Best versus Best,” then. Despite Wagner’s resurgence, trying to slow down Jacobs isn’t an easy task—ask his opponents. For the Raiders to truly take advantage of this matchup, they need to get Wagner to attempt to cover Jacobs in the open field. If they are able to accomplish that, expect No. 28 to have another great game.
*Top Photo: Sam Morris/Getty Images