The Los Angeles Rams will make their running game a major priority once again when they meet the Chargers in Sunday’s Battle of Los Angeles. Expect Sean McVay to lean on his backfield early and often, using Week 7’s blueprint to control the tempo, wear down the Chargers’ defense and open up opportunities in the passing game. The Rams have found a successful formula by establishing the run, and there is little reason to abandon it against their cross-town rivals. Sunday’s matchup could produce another
big day on the ground, with Los Angeles committing to the run regardless of how effective its passing attack might be early. Here are several predictions for what should be an intriguing divisional-style showdown between two Los Angeles rivals.
1. Rams score on opening drive touchdown
Los Angeles’s offense has not been pretty with scoring on its opening drives in 2026. The Rams drives this year…
Week 1 vs. SF – Punt (3 plays)
Week 2 vs. NYG – Punt (3 plays)
Week 3 @ DEN – Punt (7 plays)
Week 4 @ PHI – Interception (3 plays)
Week 5 vs. BUF – Missed Field Goal (14 plays)
Week 6 – vs. ARI – Punt (3 plays)
Week 7 – @ LV – Punt (3 plays)
Week 8 – TBD
The Rams not only get points, but a touchdown on the opening drive.
2. Joshua Karty is elevated to game day roster…for kickoffs
With Karty’s signing to the practice squad and Brandon McManus being on the 53 man roster, Los Angeles is clearly eyeing Karty for its kickoff role. If the Rams are saying yes to Karty on kickoffs, I’ll be curious to see who is made inactive on gameday to give way for the team to have two kickers on the active gameday roster.
3. Rams generate five 20+ yard plays on offensee
Whether its through the running game or passing game or a combination of both, the Rams will find a way to get more explosives going on Sunday. Puka Nacua is always a safe bet to catch 1 or 2 explosives. Blake Corum has shown ability to hit the running hole and take off. I think LA’s offense finds balance with its running and passing explosives.
4. Rams run the ball 30+ times for second consecutive week
The Rams finally found their running game in Week 7 when they gave Kyren Williams and Blake Corum a combined 33 rushing attempts. Both players nearly went for 100 rushing yards/each. With both players providing significantly weekly contribution, Coach McVay has to stick with the recipe that made Los Angeles play its best game in 2026. I see the two getting another 15+ attempts again…
5. Tutu Atwell catches 50+ yard pass
With the Rams beginning to have an identity towards the running game and short passing game (checkdowns to running backs), opposing defenses may be inclined to bring their secondary closer to the line of scrimmage. The caveat is that Tutu Atwell is fast. And McVay will be looking for the opportunity to dial it up deep.
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