SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (7-2) at RAMS (7-2)
When: 1:05 p.m. Sunday
Where: SoFi Stadium
TV/Radio: FOX (Ch. 11)/710 AM; 93.1 FM; 1330 AM (Spanish); Sirius 233, 388
Line: Rams by 2.5
Notable injury designations
Seahawks: OUT: C Jalen Sundell (knee), WR Tory Horton (groin, shin).
Rams: QUESTIONABLE: WR Davante Adams (oblique), DT Kobie Turner (back).
What’s at stake? It’s still early, but: the lead in the NFC West and pole position when it comes to hosting a playoff game in January. And, depending on the result of Eagles-Lions on Sunday night, the winner of this game could be in first place in the NFC and control its destiny when it comes to a first-round bye in the postseason.
Who’s better? I guess we’ll find out Sunday, huh? One of the NFL’s hottest offenses (Rams) versus one of the best defenses (Seattle), and the other matchup between the Rams’ defense and Seahawks’ high-soaring offense is pretty fun, too.
Matchup to watch: Seahawks WR Jaxson Smith-Njigba vs. Rams CB Emmanuel Forbes. With Smith-Njigba’s predilection for lining up across the offense, this won’t be a one-man job against Seattle’s top receiving threat. But Forbes is the best physical matchup against Smith-Nijgba with his length and speed to keep up with him. If Forbes can limit the damage done when QB Sam Darnold targets the NFL’s leading receiver, the Rams have a good chance of stalling Seattle drives and forcing field goals.
Rams win if: They limit Smith-Njigba to fewer than 125 yards receiving. … They sack Darnold at least three times. … Stafford extends his interception-less streak to seven. … RBs Kyren Williams and Blake Corum rush for a combined 125 yards to keep the Seattle defense honest.
Fantasy sleeper: Rams TE Tyler Higbee. The veteran tight end is such a reliable spark plug for this team, it feels right that he would be the one to provide an early touchdown and get the energy up for the Rams.
Prediction: Rams 31, Seahawks 27. Beat reporter’s record: 8-1 for the season; 6-3 against the spread.