The Rams, who earned an overtime victory over the Seattle Seahawks, are looking to extend their winning streak to four games.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford has passed for six touchdowns in the last two games, including the game-winner over receiver Demarcus Robinson in Seattle. Stafford has passed for 366 career touchdowns and needs one to take sole possession of 10th place on the NFL’s all-time list.
Stafford and coach Sean McVay hope star receiver Puka Nacua has been taught a lesson after he was ejected for punching a Seahawks player. If Nacua stays in the game, he will team up with Robinson and Cooper Kupp to give Stafford a series of targets.
Monday night’s game could mark the return of offensive linemen Jonah Jackson and Steve Avila, who were sidelined for seven games due to injuries. Joe Noteboom or Warren McClendon Jr. will start in place of injured right tackle Rob Havenstein.
The Rams’ defense, featuring young defensive linemen Jared Verse and Braden Fiske, has scored in four straight games, including Kamren Kinchens’ 103-yard interception return against the Seahawks.
The Dolphins are 2-6 under coach Mike McDaniel, but three of those losses came when quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was sidelined for four games after being placed on injured reserve due to a concussion. Tagovailoa has played two games since returning, including last week’s 30-27 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
As Tagovailoa finds his rhythm, he can rely on an array of weapons, including dual-threat running backs De’Von Achane and Raheem Mostert. Receiver Tyreek Hill could be a game-time decision due to a wrist injury. Jaylen Waddle and former Ram Odell Beckham Jr. are other talented targets. The Dolphins defense is led by former Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey.
Main injuries
Ram: OL Rob Havenstein (single, out); DL Neville Gallimore (shoulder, off); S Kam Curl (knee, questionable but expected to play); OL Kevin Dotson (ankle/knee, questionable but expected to play); LB Christian Rozeboom (neck, questionable but expected to play).
Dolphins: OL Austin Jackson (knee, out); WR Tyreek Hill (wrist, questionable); FB Alec Ingold (calf, questionable); S Jevon Holland (hand/knee, questionable).
How to watch Rams vs. Dolphins can watch and listen
The Rams and Dolphins play at SoFi Stadium on Monday at 5:15 p.m. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN and ESPN Deportes. It will be available in the LA region on KCOP (Chapter 13). In Southern California, fans can listen to the game on the radio at 710 AM or 93.1 FM.
Betting lines for Rams vs Dolphins
Who wins Rams vs. Dolphins?
Gary Klein’s pick: Despite the Dolphins’ poor record, the Rams know their opponents’ speed and McDaniel’s plan to use the entire field will be a challenge. But Stafford appears to be on a roll, and if Nacua can stay in the game, the Rams will prevail. Rams 27, Dolphins 24
Sam Farmer’s choice: The Rams have three exciting receivers and Stafford is looking like his best self. The young defense is also coming along. Miami is a different team with Tagovailoa, but the home team gets the edge. Rams 28, Dolphins 23
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This story originally appeared in the Los Angeles Times.
