Week 11 Preview: Seattle Seahawks at Los Angeles Rams

Photo Credits: Jennifer Buchanan/The Seattle Times

This Week 11 matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams will be a key factor in determining how these teams finish the season. The Seahawks are currenting sitting at 6-3 tied for first in the NFC West with the San Francisco 49ers. While the Rams have a record of 3-6 and are fighting for their playoff lives. The Rams do have help on the horizon with Quarterback Matthew Stafford ready to return after suffering a thumb injury in Week 8. On the other side, the Seahawks have won three out of their past four with their one loss being an embarrassing blowout against the Ravens. Now looking at this game specifically, both teams are much more even than you would expect.

Photo Credits: Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times

First looking at the offenses, the Rams have the advantage in total offense as their ranked 14th averaging 335.9 yards per game, but only have 17 offensive touchdowns. Taking a deeper look at their offense, the Rams rank 14th in passing offense averaging 231 passing yard per game and eight passing touchdowns. Now when it comes to the Rams’ rushing offense, they are ranked 17th averaging 104.9 rushing yards per game and have nine rushing touchdowns in nine games. The biggest issue offensively for the Rams has been their scoring offense, they are ranked 22nd averaging 19.8 points per game. The main reason for lack of points has been the turnovers committed by the offense. Through nine games the Rams have ten turnovers, if the Rams can limit turnovers, they could become one of the best offenses in the NFL. The Rams have the 10th ranked red zone offense, scoring a touchdown 59.1% of the time when in the redzone. In addition, they have the 10thranked third down offense converting on 42.1% of their third downs. This Rams team has the potential to be a great offense which isn’t much of a surprise considering their receiving core of Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua, and Tutu Atwell. Not to mention the return of Matthew Stafford will provide a much-needed boost to this Rams’ offense.

Photo Credits: Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire

Now switching over to the Seahawks offense which been inconsistent at times during the season but continues to grind out wins. Starting first with their total offense where the Seahawks rank 18th averaging 331.4 yard per game but do have 20 offensive touchdowns. Looking at their passing offense in particular, the Seahawks are ranked 13th averaging 231.7 passing yards per game and have 11 passing touchdowns, giving the Seahawks the slight edge in passing offense. Now looking at the rushing attack of the Seahawks they are ranked 24th averaging 99.8 rushing yards per game and have seven rushing touchdowns through nine games. This gives the Rams the edge in rushing offense as they averaged more rushing yards per game and have more rushing touchdowns. Now the biggest advantage for the Seahawks offensively is their scoring offense. The Seahawks are ranked 14th averaging 22.2 points per game and have 20 offensive touchdowns this season. Unfortunately for Seattle, the Rams have a major advantage when it comes to redzone offense. Seattle is ranked 25th in redzone offense scoring a touchdown on 48.5% of their redzone trips while the Rams are scoring 59.1% of the time. Not to mention Seattle’s struggles on third down this season as their ranked 30th converting only 31.5% of the time compared to the Rams 42.1%. Overall, both these offenses are relatively even, the Rams have the advantage when it comes to redzone and third down, but the Seahawks have done a better job of protecting the football which has allowed them to score more points per game.

Photo Credits: Dean Rutz/The Seattle Times

Switching to the other side of the ball, the Rams have the 20th ranked total defense allowing 340 yards per game and 20 touchdowns. The Rams are middle of the pack when it comes to their pass defense as their currently ranked 14th allowing 217.2 passing yards per game. With that being said they’ve only given up nine passing touchdowns in nine games. Where the Rams have struggled defensively is stopping the run. The Rams hold the 22nd ranked rush defense allowing 122.8 rushing yards per game and ten rushing touchdowns through nine games. Now taking a look at their scoring defense, the Rams are ranked 22nd giving up 22.7 points per game and 20 touchdowns in nine games. It could be much worse if the Rams weren’t so stout defensively in the redzone. The Rams have the 11th ranked redzone defense allowing a touchdown 50% of the time. Unfortunately, the Rams have struggled defensively on third down allowing teams to convert 41% of the time which is 21st in the NFL. If the Rams are able to improve their third down defense along with their rush defense, they could become a top 12 defense.

Photo Credits: Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

Moving on to the Seahawks who have struggled defensively so far this season as their ranked 25th allowing 354.3 yards per game and 22 touchdowns. The Seahawks have struggled at stopping both the run and the pass. In the passing game the Seahawks are allowing 238.3 yards and 12 touchdowns putting them at 22nd in the NFL. Then against the rush, the Seahawks are ranked 20th giving up 116 yards per game and ten touchdowns. This gives the Rams the edge in pass defense, but Seattle does hold a slight advantage when it comes to stopping the run. Now looking at scoring defense, Seattle is ranked 19th allowing 22.3 points per game which is slightly better than the Rams but still below league average. Where the Rams hold a significant edge defensively is in redzone defense and third down defense. The Seahawks are allowing a touchdown 65.2% of the time opponents reach the redzone which is 28th in the NFL. Then for third down defense the Seahawks are ranked 30th allowing opposing offenses to convert 45.5% of the time.

Photo Credits: Ted S. Warren/AP Photo

To summarize, there are a few key factors that will likely determine the outcome of this game. For the offensive side of the ball the Rams and Seahawks must protect the football. For the Rams specifically they should attack a Seahawks secondary that has been suspect against the pass with their great trio of wide receivers. For the Seahawks they will have to maintain a balanced attack offensively while also feeding Kenneth Walker III as the Rams have struggled against the run. Defensively I think it will come down to which team has a better pass rush. With both teams struggling defensively and both quarterbacks prone to turn the ball over, sacks and turnovers will likely determine the better defense on the day.