The Los Angeles Rams' next opponent is a team that has far outperformed expectations so far this season. The Las Vegas Raiders started the year 3-0 and even after losing their last three games, they've played much better than most people anticipated.
What makes them a tough opponent is the star talent on the roster. Brock Bowers and Maxx Crosby are among the best players at their respective positions, presenting some difficult matchups for the Rams on each side of the ball.
These five matchups will decide who wins Sunday's game at Allegiant Stadium.
DB Quentin Lake vs. TE Brock Bowers
Last week, Lake was matched up with Trey McBride. This week, it's against another elite tight end in Bowers. Lake has had a very good season for the most part, but he's been picked on in coverage. No
safety has been targeted more than Lake (35), per PFF, so look for that to continue against the Raiders on Sunday.
Bowers is an outstanding receiver who's open even when he's not, making spectacular catches against tight coverage. Lake will need to be in his hip pocket throughout the day to limit the damage done by Las Vegas' top weapon.
RT Warren McClendon Jr. vs. OLB Maxx Crosby
If there's one player that can flip this game on its head, it's Crosby. He's a menace and a quarterback's worst nightmare, while also being a force against the run. He never takes a play off and hardly ever comes off the field, so McClendon should expect to see No. 98 lined up across from him throughout the day.
Expect the Rams to give McClendon some help with tight end chips on Crosby, especially when they're in 12 and 13 personnel. They can't let Mad Maxx beat them because he's by far the biggest threat on defense for Las Vegas.
WR Puka Nacua vs. CB Taron Johnson
Nacua has been the Rams' No. 1 receiver for years, but he'll draw even more attention now that Davante Adams is sidelined for 6-10 weeks. Johnson was an offseason acquisition for the Raiders and has helped solidify the secondary as their slot corner, which is a key spot on every defense.
Nacua moves around and doesn't strictly play in the slot or on the outside, but when he does align inside, he'll have to win his matchups with Johnson. The Rams are lacking weapons with Adams and Terrance Ferguson out, so Nacua will need to carry even more weight on offense.
CB Josh Wallace vs. WR Tre Tucker
If Trent McDuffie plays, he should be the one covering Tucker most of the time. But if he's out again, look for Wallace to be in coverage against Tucker a bunch. Jaylen Watson doesn't have the speed to cover Tucker downfield, and though Wallace isn't a burner, he's fast enough to stick with the speedy receiver.
Bowers is the Raiders' biggest receiving threat, but Tucker is their big-play weapon down the field for Kirk Cousins. He's dangerous after the catch and before it, so Wallace will have to tackle well and turn on the jets when needed.
DT Aaron Donald vs. G Spencer Burford
Donald and the Rams know Burford from his time with the 49ers, so this is a familiar matchup. Burford has allowed 18 pressures and no sacks, but his pass-blocking grade at PFF is a shaky 37.4, the worst of any Raiders starter. The Rams don't have Poona Ford or Kobie Turner, and Myles Garrett remains out, too, so this is a game where Donald will need to step up and be the All-Pro he's always been.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: 5 key matchups that will decide Rams vs. Raiders on Sunday
