Saints Face Rams with Potential Playoff Spot at Stake

In addition to being a wild-card candidate, the New Orleans Saints have won two straight games and are

tied for the best record in the NFC South. This Thursday night’s matchup between the two 7-7 clubs in

Los Angeles has significant postseason implications.

The return of running back Kyren Williams from an ankle ailment has helped the Rams’ comeback.

Since his return, he has averaging 124.3 rushing yards per game. In each of the past two games, wide

receiver Cooper Kupp has tied his season high of eight catches, ending with 111 and 115 yards.

In the past three games, he has scored a touchdown. The Rams’ offensive efficiency in the red

zone is something head coach Sean McVay is seeking to restore. When it comes to the percentage

f red-zone trips that result in touchdowns (60.5), Los Angeles is ranked 11th in the NFL, but over the

last two games, it has only reached 50%.

The Rams were 1-for-3 last week in a 28-20 home victory against Washington.

Two weeks ago they were 3-for-5, which cost them in a 37-31 overtime loss at Baltimore, their only defeat

in the last six weeks.

“We’ve been pretty good in the red zone overall,” McVay said. “There’s been a heightened

awareness, especially the last couple

of weeks, because of the way we went right down the field on our opening drive and had

to settle for a field goal.

“Ultimately you want to come away with touchdowns. I’ve got to be better (at calling plays).

” The Rams are looking to improve

their red-zone performance in a manner similar to how New Orleans has improved its showing inside the 20.

After scoring nine touchdowns in ten red-zone trips during the last three games, the Saints, who

had spent the majority of the

season near the bottom of the NFL in red-zone efficiency, have climbed up to 21st place.

Coach Dennis Allen’s decision to spend

more practice time in the red zone corresponds with the improvement. In a 24-6 victory at

home against the New York Giants on Sunday, the Saints went 2-for-2, increasing their season

touchdown percentage to 52%.

“You get what you emphasize,” Allen remarked, adding that it has probably helped the team

to focus more on the red zone.”

New Orleans had a season-high seven sacks in the victory against the Giants after a week in

which Allen challenged the team’s

veteran players to play better. “I think a lot of those guys took that as a personal challenge,

” Allen said, “and I think you saw

some of our veteran players really step up and play at an exceptionally high level.

” Saints starting tackle Ryan Ramczyk (knee)

will miss his second consecutive game, while starting wide receiver Chris Olave (ankle) will

be active and play after missing the

Giants game.

The Rams will be without backup cornerback Tre Tomlinson (hamstring). Offensive lineman

Joseph Noteboom (foot), who has played in 12 games this season with seven starts, is questionable.

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Saints face Rams with potential playoff spot at stake