Game Preview: Los Angeles Rams vs New Orleans Saints
The Los Angeles Rams return home from a bye to host the New Orleans Saints at SoFi Stadium on Sunday, November 2, 2025. Kickoff is set for 4:05 PM ET on FOX.
Los Angeles (5-2) is locked in a tight NFC West race and looks to maintain momentum after a 35-7 win in London. New Orleans (1-7) enters with rookie quarterback Tyler Shough making his first NFL start. The matchup pits an experienced, balanced Rams roster against a Saints team in transition.
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Key Storylines
- Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough makes his first NFL start for the Saints.
- Matthew Stafford continues to lead one of the NFL’s top passing offenses.
- The Rams’ defense ranks third in the league in points allowed per game.
- New Orleans is averaging only 16.0 points per game and has 12 turnovers.
- Los Angeles is unbeaten when holding opponents to under 20 points.
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Los Angeles Rams Outlook
The Rams come into Week 9 well-rested and confident. Matthew Stafford threw five touchdowns against Jacksonville in Week 8, including three to Davante Adams. Los Angeles currently ranks third in the league in passing yards (256.7 per game) and first in touchdown passes with 17.
The offensive line has kept Stafford clean, allowing one of the lowest pressure rates in football. Puka Nacua could return from an ankle injury, giving the Rams an added weapon alongside Adams. Running back Kyren Williams provides balance with 472 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
Defensively, the Rams have forced 10 takeaways and rank among the top five in scoring defense. They’ll look to pressure the rookie quarterback early, forcing quick decisions and potential mistakes.
Rams Injury Report
Rob Havenstein (OT) – Questionable, Ankle
Puka Nacua (WR) – Questionable, Ankle
Ahkello Witherspoon (CB) – Out, Shoulder
Tutu Atwell (WR) – Out, Hamstring
Kamren Kinchens (S) – Questionable, Toe
New Orleans Saints Outlook
The Saints are rebuilding and now turning the offense over to rookie Tyler Shough. Head coach Kellen Moore emphasized that the team will give Shough time to grow, meaning this could be the first of many starts for the 26-year-old passer.
New Orleans’ best chance to stay competitive is through its defense. The unit ranks 10th in sacks and 6th in interceptions, led by Demario Davis and Justin Reid. Their ability to generate turnovers will be key against a Rams offense that thrives on precision and timing.
Offensively, the Saints rely on Chris Olave and Alvin Kamara. Olave ranks among the top 15 receivers in yardage, while Kamara remains dangerous as a dual-threat back. Still, with just two games over 20 points this season, the Saints must find ways to sustain drives and avoid costly giveaways.
Saints Injury Report
Will Clapp (C) – Out, Foot
Erik McCoy (G) – Out, Biceps
Julian Blackmon (S) – Out, Labrum
Rashid Shaheed (WR) – Questionable, Leg
Kendre Miller (RB) – Out, Knee
Trey Palmer (WR) – Out, Ankle
Ja’Lynn Polk (WR) – Out, Shoulder
Betting Trends
- Rams are 9-1 straight up and 9-1 against the spread as favorites in their last 10 games.
- Rams are 4-0 straight up after a loss in their last four regular-season games.
- Saints are 1-12 straight up as underdogs in their last 13 games.
- Saints are 1-5 straight up in their last six road contests.
Explore more betting angles in the NFL playoff predictions blog, NFC South odds outlook, NFC West futures analysis, NFL MVP odds breakdown, and NFL Defensive Player of the Year predictions.
Prediction
The Rams are 14-point favorites, and it’s difficult to envision the Saints keeping pace with a first-time starter under center. Los Angeles’ offense should control possession while the defense limits New Orleans to short drives.
Projected Score: Rams 30, Saints 10
Best Bet: Rams -14.0 (-107)
Total Lean: Under 43.5 (-107)
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