The Los Angeles Rams need a wide receiver to step up, and it has to be five-year veteran Tutu Atwell. With Davante Adams sidelined by injury and Puka Nacua suffering a calf injury during Thursday’s practice, the Rams could be running dangerously thin at wide receiver. If Sean McVay wants his offense to remain productive against the Las Vegas Raiders, Atwell must become a much bigger part of the game plan. And I believe Sean McVay finally course corrects with his usage of Tutu Atwell; leading to Atwell’s
biggest game as a Ram. Here are my five predictions for Sunday’s game.
1. Tutu Atwell becomes Stafford’s No. 1 target
With Davante Adams and maybe Puka Nacua, you may think the Rams lean more into 13 personnel, and maybe so. But the Rams will have to throw the ball. Stafford needs someone that can create separation consistently. Tutu is the guy. And Atwell offers a lot of explosive play ability with it. McVay just has to dial it up.
Do you not remember the start of the 2023 season? Tutu’s first three games: 26 targets, 17 receptions, 246 receiving yards, and 1 receiving touchdown.
Tutu will receiving double digit targets for the first time in his career. And finishes the day with 12 targets, 8 receptions and 143 receiving yards.
2. Kyren Williams rushes for 180 yards
Kyren Williams made waves in his postgame comments after Week 6 citing that the offense is struggling to find consistency because he is not out there. With the Rams needing to find their identity on offense, I think Sean McVay leans into run game for the first time all season. With that being said, Kyren gets 25 touches on the ground in a must win game for Los Angeles.
Las Vegas does not have a strong run defense; having surrendered 134.3 rushing yards/game and 152.3 rushing yards/game over their last three games.
3. Rams defense pitches shutout in 2nd half
The Raiders have struggled in the 2nd half of games. In the 3rd quarter, they have been outscored by 26 points through six games (the worst mark in the NFL). LA must capitalize on this. The Rams have a reputation of posting shutouts in the 2nd half of games over the last 3 years. They could use one this week.
4. Wesley Bailey notches multi-sack game
I have liked what Wesley Bailey has to offer off the edge for the Rams. His size and length provide something that Byron Young and Josiah Stewart lack. With the help of Aaron Donald, Bailey grabs not just one but two sacks in Week 7.
5. Rams do not punt until 4th quarter
Seeking rhythm on offense, the Rams commit to going for it in 4th & short situations rather than opting to send the special teams out and risking a disaster waiting to happen. The Rams don’t send Ethan Evans and the punt unit out until the 4th quarter; acknowledging that this is a must win game and the offense will need to execute in order to secure a win on the road.
