New Orleans Saints at Rams: Who has the edge?

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (1-7) at RAMS (5-2)

When: 1:05 p.m. Sunday

Where: SoFi Stadium

TV/Radio: FOX/710 AM; 93.1 FM; 1330 AM (Spanish); Sirius 234, 389

Line: Rams by 13.5

Notable injury designations

Saints: QUESTIONABLE: RB Alvin Kamara (ankle), WR Rashid Shaheed (hip), CB Alontae Taylor (shoulder).

Rams: DOUBTFUL: CB Darious Williams (shoulder).

What’s at stake? While the Saints try to get a win in rookie Tyler Shough’s first start as an NFL quarterback, the Rams will look to keep up with the Seattle Seahawks atop the NFC West standings and make sure they don’t drop a game in which they are nearly a two-touchdown favorite.

Who’s better? Sometimes, you don’t have to look any deeper than teams’ records when picking which is the better side. This is one of those times.

Matchup to watch: Rams pass rush vs. Saints offensive line. The Saints’ line has been a revolving door this season; look at their snap counts, and none of them match up. That lack of reps and chemistry has led to a lot of pressure in the New Orleans pocket. Combined with Shough adjusting to NFL speed, and the Rams front should be able to tee off and put the Saints’ offense in a box.

Rams win if: They don’t turn the ball over more than once. … They limit RB Alvin Kamara to less than 75 yards rushing. … They sack Shough at least three times. … They commit fewer than six penalties.

Fantasy sleeper: Rams TE Terrance Ferguson. Expect the Rams to continue their trend of relying on multiple-tight end formations going forward, which should open up any opportunity for Ferguson to continue his ascent in recent weeks.

Prediction: Rams 31, Saints 10. Beat reporter’s record: 6-1 on the season; 5-2 against the spread.

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