The Los Angeles Rams are gearing up for yet another matchup with the New Orleans Saints. It’ll be their fourth since the start of the 2017 season, with the two teams splitting the series since then.
All-time, the Rams hold the series lead with 42 wins in 76 games (including postseason) and last beat the Saints in the NFC championship game. As you remember, that game featured a blown missed pass interference call that would’ve benefited the Saints, so New Orleans is undoubtedly seeking vengeance for that gaffe.
Here are four things to know heading into Sunday’s game.
Jared Goff’s 104.2 passer rating vs. Saints is third-best against any team
Goff’s career record against the Saints in the regular season is only 1-2, but his numbers were solid in those games. He’s completed 66 percent of his passes for 959 yards (319.7 per game) with eight touchdown passes and three interceptions. His career passer rating of 104.2 is his third-highest against any team in the NFL that he’s faced more than once.
Of course, he and the Rams also beat the Saints in the playoffs last season, a game in which he had one touchdown and an interception with a passer rating of 83.0.
Rams and Saints have highest in winning percentage since 2017
Since Sean McVay took over, the Rams have gone a remarkable 25-8 in the regular season. That’s tied for the best record in the NFL since 2017. The Saints also have the same record in that span, as do the Patriots.
In terms of points scored, the Rams lead the league with 1,035 points for, while the Saints rank third (982). The Chiefs are second with 1,020 points scored. The Rams and Saints are second and third in point differential, respectively.
Saints are last in NFL vs. run on third-and-long
Since the start of last season, the Saints have allowed first downs on 62.5 percent of opponents’ rushing attempts on third-and-long – typically viewed as give-up plays. Needless to say, that’s a terrible rate. It’s by far the worst in the NFL, 19.8 percent higher than any other team in the league, according to Inside Edge.
The Rams may try to capitalize on this with their bevy of running backs. Perhaps you’ll see draws or handoffs to Todd Gurley or Malcolm Brown go for first downs in third-and-long situations, which defenses typically expect passes in.
Saints have outscored Rams 88-87 combined in last three meetings
The Rams have won two of their last three games against the Saints by a combined nine points. The Saints beat Los Angeles by 10 points in Week 9, so all told, the three contests have been very close.
New Orleans barely has the edge in total points, outscoring the Rams 88-87 since the start of last season. The Rams are only favored by 2.5 points in this one, so the oddsmakers expect it to be another close battle.
