Las Vegas Raiders X-Factors against the Rams in 2022 Week 14
Limit the Rams’ run game
Through Week 13 the Raiders’ run defense is ranked 14th in the NFL, but over the past few weeks the Silver and Black have ramped it up a notch. Las Vegas is allowing an average of just 77.0 rushing yards over their last three games, which is tied for the third-fewest in that timespan. If the Raiders can emulate that same type of consistency come Thursday night, it should inevitably subdue the Rams’ lone offensive threat.
Los Angeles managed to give the Seahawks a run for their money despite falling 27-23. Don’t forget that this came against the same Seattle team that the Raiders had to beat in overtime the week prior. The Rams actually won the rushing battle versus the Seahawks 171-to-90, largely off the back of Cam Akers.
Akers finished with 17 carries for 60 yards and the Rams’ lone two touchdowns of the afternoon.
It’s not rocket science: if the Raiders limit Akers and the ground game it effectively forces the Rams to win the game by way of the pocket. And in doing so, it means Los Angeles has to find a way to get production out of their backup quarterback under center, despite being without their best receiver in Cooper Kupp.