Rams at Commanders

Rams look to extend win streak against Commanders

The Rams bring a two-game winning streak into Northwest Stadium after beating the Chargers 24-9 and Raiders 35-21. At 4-4, they sit third in the NFC West and own a 2-1 road record. The Commanders improved to 2-4-1 with a 27-10 home win over the Eagles, keeping their home mark at 2-0-1, but they placed defensive tackles Daron Payne and Javon Kinlaw on injured reserve. Both teams are looking to gain ground in their respective division races.

Keys to the game

• The Rams have won two straight, beating the Chargers 24-9 and Raiders 35-21 while averaging 24.3 points per game. Washington allows 26 points per game, so the Rams' recent scoring pace is an edge.
• Washington is 2-0-1 at home this season, with wins over the Seahawks and Eagles and a tie with the Giants. That home success contrasts with an 0-3 road record.
• These teams have met three times since 2016, and the Rams won two, including a 28-20 victory in the last meeting in 2023.
• Washington will be without defensive tackles Daron Payne and Javon Kinlaw, who were placed on injured reserve. Their absence weakens an interior defense that already allowed 26 points per game.
• The forecast is mostly sunny with 59 degrees and 10 mph winds, so weather should not affect the game.

Our take

Our model favors the Rams, and the facts support that: Los Angeles has won two straight while putting up 24 and 35 points, and Washington just lost two defensive tackles. The Commanders' unbeaten home record and the Eagles win give them a chance, but the defensive-line losses are a difficult hurdle against a Rams offense averaging 24.3 points. If the Rams avoid turnovers and handle the Commanders' early push, they should take control; Washington will need to make this a grinder to pull off the upset.