The Los Angeles Rams are hosting the winless Los Angeles Chargers this week in search of their fourth win of the season, which will get them back to .500 for the first time since Week 4. Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford already said they aren't overlooking the Chargers despite the fact that they don't have a win yet, and looking at their roster, there is plenty of talent on Jim Harbaugh's team.
Here are four matchups that will decide the outcome of Sunday's game.
CB Trent McDuffie vs. WR Ladd McConkey
Both players are currently on the injury report and not guaranteed to play, but it would appear they're trending toward suiting up. McDuffie practiced for the first time Wednesday since injuring his groin before the team's Week 6 game, while McConkey was a full participant to start the week
as he recovers from a concussion.
Assuming they both play, this will be an important matchup. McDuffie has the position flexibility to shadow McConkey, who lines up in the slot and out wide. If McDuffie plays, look for the Rams to use him almost exclusively on McConkey, allowing Jaylen Watson and Josh Wallace to cover Quentin Johnston on the outside.
LT Alaric Jackson vs. OLB Khalil Mack
Mack will play on the left and right side, so Warren McClendon Jr. will have to block him, too. But it's imperative for Jackson to protect Matthew Stafford's blindside because if Mack gets around the corner, he has the ability to attack the football and force fumbles.
Mack doesn't lead the team in pressures (Tuli Tuipulotu does with 19), but he has the most sacks and is the Chargers' top defensive weapon.
WR Puka Nacua vs. CB Tarheeb Still
Still is the Chargers' primary slot corner, and he's a good one. Nacua is by no means a slot receiver because he moves all around the formation, but he's a friendly target for Matthew Stafford out of the slot. The Rams probably won't get much production from their other receivers in this game, so Nacua will once again carry the load at the position against a talented corner like Still.
This season, Still has allowed just 15 catches on 23 targets for 125 yards, an average of only 8.3 yards per catch.
OLB Byron Young vs. RT Joe Alt
Alt is expected to be back for this game and he'll slot back in at right tackle. Young has been very good in Myles Garrett's absence but he needs to convert pressures into sacks more often. Justin Herbert is mobile so he's capable of escaping the pocket and dodging pass rushers, so Young can't just blindly rush upfield and open up rush lanes.
He and Josaiah Stewart must be disciplined and force Herbert to step up into the laps of Aaron Donald and Tyler Davis.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: 4 key matchups that will decide Rams vs. Chargers on Sunday
