4 players to watch in Rams vs. Lions on Sunday

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4 players to watch in Rams vs. Lions on Sunday


Skyler Carlin
October 23, 2021 7:00 am PT

There will be plenty of familiar faces going up against their former teams when the Detroit Lions visit the Los Angeles Rams in Week 7. Matthew Stafford will square off with the Lions for the first time in his career, while Jared Goff and Michael Brockers are going to experience their first matchup versus the Rams.

Los Angeles and Detroit are two organizations at opposite ends of the spectrum at this current point of the season. The Rams enter Week 7 with a 5-1 record and are considered contenders in the NFC. The same can’t be said for the Lions as they are the only remaining winless team in the NFL at 0-6.


Besides the intrigue of Stafford and Goff facing their former teams, it’s not expected to be a close contest, with Los Angeles being massive double-digit favorites at SoFi Stadium. While many people may elect to watch another game on Sunday, here are four players to keep an eye on for the Rams in Week 7.

1
Matthew Stafford
The topic of discussion this week leading up to Sunday’s game is Stafford facing his former team for the first time. Stafford spent 12 seasons with the Lions, producing just two seasons of 10-plus wins. For those that didn’t already know, Stafford is proving this season that the lack of wins in Detroit wasn’t due to his efforts.

Through the first six weeks of this season, Stafford is among the favorites for NFL MVP with a career-best 69.5% completion percentage, 1,838 yards, 16 touchdowns, and four interceptions. The veteran signal-caller shouldn’t have any issues continuing his success on Sunday against a Lions defense that is ranked No. 25 in pass DVOA.

There’s been the talk of whether or not Stafford’s emotions could play a part in his performance in Week 7. While Stafford may talk to some of his former teammates and coaches, I’m expecting a laser-focused outing from the Pro Bowl quarterback on Sunday.


2
Dont'e Deayon
The Rams have deployed multiple defensive backs alongside Jalen Ramsey this season, especially with Darious Williams on injured reserve. Robert Rochell drew the start on the outside in Week 6 against the New York Giants while Donte Deayon emerged from the bench to secure the nickel spot instead of David Long Jr.

After being inactive and on the practice squad to begin the season, Deayon logged 88% of the defensive snaps in Week 6. Deayon would record four combined tackles and drew praise from Sean McVay and Raheem Morris throughout the week.

As a result of his performance last week, the Rams decided to sign Deayon to the active roster entering Week 7. Being that Williams is still sidelined for Los Angeles, this is a fantastic opportunity for Deayon to earn himself a roster spot for the rest of the season.


3
Cooper Kupp
We are officially on Cooper Kupp watch for the rest of the season. Kupp is off to a historic start this season, and I don’t feel enough people are talking about it. It was evident that once it was revealed that Kupp was eating breakfast and spending quality time with Stafford in the offseason, the two were going to blossom together this season.

Kupp and Stafford have taken their chemistry from eating waffles together to the gridiron as Kupp has a league-high 46 receptions, 653 receiving yards, and a league-leading seven receiving touchdowns. The former third-round pick is just 15 receiving yards behind Davante Adams, who currently leads the NFL.

The only other wideout to have 600-plus receiving yards and 7-plus receiving touchdowns in the first six weeks of a season is Randy Moss in 2007. Regardless of what statistic it is, to be mentioned in glorified air with Moss is special. With Kupp averaging 11.3 targets per game and finding the end zone consistently, he’ll be adding to his gaudy numbers on Sunday.


4
Kenny Young
I don’t want to be someone that overlooks an opponent or downplays the talent a team possesses, but the Lions lack firepower on offense. While Goff hasn’t been great, by any definition of the word, he hasn’t had much to work with. The top two weapons in Detroit’s offense are T.J. Hockenson – who is listed as questionable – and D’Andre Swift.

Hockenson will likely see a few different people in coverage on him if he is active in Week 7. The third-year tight end leads the team in targets, but it is Swift that leads the Lions in receptions this season. Kenny Young and the other linebackers will be tasked with keeping the dynamic running back in front of them.

Los Angeles shouldn’t have many issues slowing down Detroit’s rushing attack, especially if the Lions are forced to play from behind. But if the Rams jump out to an early lead, they should expect Swift to be heavily involved in the passing game, which means Young could be busy on Sunday. Young is off to a decent start for the Rams as he’s totaled 39 combined tackles, one sack, one pass breakup, and a forced fumble.