The Rams and Cowboys will meet for the third time in the last three years on Sunday, and for the second time since January. Los Angeles has won the last two meetings between these teams, including a divisional round matchup at the Coliseum.
This isn’t a playoff game like the last one was, but it does have huge postseason implications for both teams. A loss by the Rams could put them two games back of the Vikings with two games to play, while a Cowboys loss will put further emphasis on Week 16’s showdown with the Eagles.
Here are five things to know about this matchup entering Sunday.
McVay’s Rams have never lost to team on 3-game losing streak
The Rams don’t often lose to bad teams under Sean McVay. Yes, they should have beaten the Buccaneers in Week 4 and probably the Steelers in Week 10, but losses to teams on losing skids never happens on McVay’s watch.
According to Gil Brandt, the Rams are 5-0 under McVay against teams currently on a three-game losing streak. They’ve won those games by an average of 20 points per game, and it just so happens the Cowboys have lost three in a row.
This sets up very nicely for the Rams in Week 15.
Dak Prescott struggling mightily vs. blitz
The Rams have been far more aggressive on defense since Jalen Ramsey arrived, not only in coverage but with blitzing. They rank in the top 10 in the NFL in blitz rate, which doesn’t bode well for Prescott this weekend.
He’s been atrocious against the pass in the last three weeks, throwing two interceptions and just one touchdown while completing half of his passes.
This will surely be a point of emphasis for both teams entering this matchup with Wade Phillips likely dialing up the pressure.
Rams and Cowboys have split all-time series
The Rams and Cowboys have met 34 times in their history, including the postseason. The series is split 17 apiece, with the Rams having won the last two games against Dallas. The Cowboys previously won three in a row prior to McVay’s arrival, but the coach has changed Los Angeles’ fortunes against Dallas.
The Rams and Cowboys have met nine times in the playoffs, which is the most of any two teams in NFL history. With the Rams beating Dallas in the divisional round last season, they hold a 5-4 advantage in the playoffs.
Former Rams DE Robert Quinn leads Dallas in sacks
Quinn fought through repeated injuries in his final few seasons with the Rams, recording just 17.5 sacks in his last three seasons (32 games). In 11 games this season, Quinn leads the Cowboys with 9.5 sacks and also has 18 QB hits – the most he’s had in a season since 2014.
His resurgent season is both the result of him being healthy and being back in a 4-3 defense, which allows him to play defensive end on the weakside. He’ll be Andrew Whitworth’s primary responsibility, which could slow down the Cowboys pass rusher.
Whitworth has been great in the last seven games, posting the fourth-best pass-blocking grade from PFF.
Cowboys and Rams have been on similar paths
The Cowboys and Rams are separated by two games now, but their seasons were eerily similar before the last two weeks.
- Started 3-0
- Lost 3 straight, including one game to a lesser opponent
- Rams to the Bucs, Cowboys to the Jets
- Won two in a row
- Went 1-2 in their next three games
The Rams have since won their last two games, while Dallas has lost in each of the last two weeks. As a result, Los Angeles is 8-5 and the Cowboys are 6-7, even though Dallas is the one currently holding a playoff spot.
