The Washington Commanders (2-4-1) host the Los Angeles Rams (4-4) on Sunday in Week 9 NFL action from Northwest Stadium. The Commanders are looking for their second consecutive win after last week's dominant 27-10 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.
Meanwhile, the Rams, expected to be one of the NFL’s best teams before the year, are looking to get on a roll, especially with star defensive end Myles Garrett back in action.
Both teams have dealt with injuries. Since Week 6, the Commanders have lost star wide receiver Terry McLaurin and starting defensive tackles Daron Payne and Javon Kinlaw for the season due to injury.
The Rams opened the week as 6-point favorites over Washington, but that number shrank to 4.5 points in recent days. Can the short-handed
Commanders pull off the upset?
It's time for our staff picks. We make our picks for the Week 9 game between the Washington Commanders and Los Angeles Rams.
Bryan Manning
Of course, no one is giving Washington a chance here. On paper, it makes sense. Losing Payne and Kinlaw in the middle of the defense is tough. The Commanders do have solid depth there, but it’s not quite the same. Fortunately, the pass rush continues to improve and the secondary is healthier. We know defensive coordinator Daronte Jones loves to blitz from everywhere. Rams QB Matthew Stafford has seen every blitz imaginable. That should be a fun matchup.
Can Jayden Daniels get enough help from his teammates to pull off the upset? That help starts up front. Washington’s offensive line must find a way to contain Garrett and Aaron Donald. With wide receiver Treylon Burks out for this game, fellow wideout Dyami Brown joining McLaurin and Jaylin Lane on injured reserve, Daniels will rely heavily on Stefon Diggs, rookie Antonio Williams and tight end Chig Okonkwo.
Expect a close game, but the Rams win late.
Rams 27, Commanders 23
Ivan Lambert
The Commanders are home, and the Rams have come east to play a 1 p.m. ET game.
The Commanders are without McLaurin, Burks and Brown at receiver.
The Rams have the best yardage differential in the NFL, and if the Commanders don't slow down the Rams’ run game, it's going to be a long day.
The Rams have lost two corners, so can Jayden Daniels take advantage with backup receivers?
Myles Garrett returns for the Rams; how much of a force will he be?
Rams 27, Commanders 24
Serena Burks
No pick this week.
Ariana Pensy
While Washington has a talented defense that should keep the Commanders in this game and give Matthew Stafford some problems, Los Angeles has too much firepower on both sides of the ball. The Rams may be missing multiple pass-catchers, but they still have Puka Nacua. Myles Garrett is also coming back, and with Aaron Donald on the field and a healthy Garrett for the first time this season, Los Angeles’ defensive line will make this difficult for Jayden Daniels. Daniels still hasn’t turned the ball over this season, but if the Commanders make any major mistakes, the Rams will capitalize. Los Angeles will win, but Washington will at least keep it close.
Rams 27, Commanders 21
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders vs. Los Angeles Rams: Week 9 staff picks and predictions
