Los Angeles Rams vs New Orleans Saints: Matchups to Watch

For the second consecutive week, the Los Angeles Rams will face off against a premier NFC contender. This go around it’s the New Orleans Saints providing the Rams another opportunity to fortify their position in the NFC playoff picture.

If the Rams win these matchups, they will fare much better than they did last week against the Minnesota Vikings.

Trumaine Johnson vs Michael Thomas

Tru has gotten a bad wrap this year. He’s faced a gauntlet of #1 WRs and hasn’t necessarily been the shut-down corner that the Rams are paying him to be. I think some are expecting a bit too much from Tru, but that’s going to happen when you’re the highest paid at your position.

Tru draws a matchup with a rising star in Thomas today. Due to injuries in the Rams secondary, Tru is likely to shadow Thomas in what is sure to be an exciting matchup. Look for the Rams to force the Saints to look at Tedd Ginn to beat them in the passing game.

Jared Goff vs Depleted Saints Secondary

The Saints will be without both of their starting cornerbacks today. The Rams need Goff to take advantage of that (and an ailing Kenny Vacarro) today. Look for McVay to stay more balanced than he was last weekend in order to take some of the pressure off of his QBs shoulders.

Mark Barron vs Alvin Kamara

Kamara has turned into a great compliment to Mark Ingram - and it’s taken the pressure off of Drew Brees for the first time in many, many years. Kamara is shifty and can be a monster in the passing game. Mark Barron is the guy Wade Phillips has for this exact situation. Barron will shadow Kamara and attempt to keep him in check. The Rams chances may hinge on him doing just that.