Los Angeles Rams at Atlanta Falcons: Matchups to watch

The Los Angeles Rams will oppose the Atlanta Falcons in Week 7, providing them a premier opportunity to end a three-game losing streak. The Rams will look to get back on track, prior to beginning a stretch of three straight road games, returning back home in Week 11.

Week 7 poses an absolutely vital game for the Rams, because they’re already multiple games back from the NFC West divisional lead.

Let’s jump into the matchups to watch:

Rams’ secondary versus Falcon’s receivers

The Falcons boast one of the best trio of receivers in the league in Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley, and slot receiver Mohamed Sanu. The Rams’ secondary is in a major transitional phase as the starting unit will only return ONE player who started just two weeks ago. Marqui Christian will line up at safety with Eric Weddle, and Troy Hill will make his second start at cornerback, alongside Nickell Robey-Coleman and potentially the newly added Jalen Ramsey. If Ramsey plays, he’s likely to travel with Jones, providing one of the most exciting matchups you’ll see in 2019. The Falcons’ passing attack is 2nd in the league in passing yards per game with 317.8.

QB Jared Goff versus Falcons’ secondary

Conversely, the Falcons’ secondary is terrible, allowing 271.8 passing yards per game, which is good for 28th in the league. The unit will be missing cornerback Desmond Trufant, leaving the struggling unit shorthanded. Jared Goff has struggled in 2019, particularly in Week 6, but this defense gives Goff the perfect opportunity to rebound after putting together a historically bad game.

OG’s David Edwards/Austin Blythe versus DT Grady Jarrett

Rookie fifth-round pick David Edwards will draw his first NFL start (or game action for that matter) at left guard. Austin Blythe continues to struggle at right guard, giving Grady Jarrett every reason to lick his chops. Jarrett is one of the best defensive tackles in the league, but he hasn’t registered a sack since Week 2. The interior trio for the Rams are sure to have their hands full.

WR’s Robert Woods/Cooper Kupp versus CB Isaiah Oliver/S Damontae Kazee

Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp are the two most productive receivers on the Rams’ roster, and they get a dream matchup opposing Isaiah Oliver and Damontae Kazee (nickel). Oliver becomes the Falcons’ #1 cornerback with Trufant ruled out, displaying just how weak they are at the cornerback position. Woods and Kupp have every opportunity to run freely all afternoon, giving Goff many options to target.

S Taylor Rapp versus TE Austin Hooper

Austin Hooper is off to an incredible season as he leads all tight ends in receptions and is second to only Travis Kelce in yards. The Rams will likely have multiple guys rotate in coverage, though Taylor Rapp should receive majority of the coverage on Hooper. Rapp is having a solid rookie season as he’s allowing a 70% completion rate, six yards per target, and a 85.2 rating when targeted.