Despite traveling from the West Coast, the Los Angeles Rams (3-2) should be well-rested for Sunday's game against the Ravens (1-4) at M&T Bank Stadium.
The Rams haven't played since Oct. 2, when they suffered a tough 26-23 overtime loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday Night Football. They've had extra time to prepare, and they are healthier than the Ravens who are still dealing with injuries.
It's another stern early-season test for Baltimore.
Here's everything you need to know:
Basics
Kickoff: 1 p.m., Sunday, M&T Bank Stadium
TV: Local TV: WBFF, Channel 45 (Baltimore), FOX announcers Kevin Burkhardt (play-by-play), Tom Brady (analyst), Erin Andrews and Tom Rinaldi (sideline)
Radio: WBAL (1090 AM), 98 Rock (97.9 FM), SiriusXM Radio Ch. 82 or 229. For affiliates in your area, click here:
History
The Ravens lead the all-time series, 6-3, and hold a 4-1 edge in Baltimore. Their last meeting was a 2023 classic in Baltimore when the Ravens prevailed, 37-31, in overtime on a thrilling 76-yard walk-off punt return by Tylan Wallace. He was nearly tackled several times, but Wallace would not be denied and was mobbed by teammates after making a celebratory flip into the end zone.
Stakes
The Ravens are trying to avoid their first four-game losing streak since 2021, the last season in which they failed to make the playoffs. Only four teams in history have made the postseason after a 1-5 start, with Washington being the last team to accomplish that feat in 2020. A victory for the Ravens would be huge, providing much-needed momentum heading into their bye in Week 7. The Rams are coming off a tough overtime loss to the 49ers, and the early-season race in the NFC West is very competitive. Losing a second straight game could leave the Rams with more ground to make up.
Storylines to Know
How will this week's trade impact Baltimore's defense?
The Ravens shook things up on Tuesday, trading outside linebacker Odafe Oweh to the Los Angeles Chargers in a deal that brought veteran safety Alohi Gilman to Baltimore. Gilman is expected to play against the Rams, and his presence could help Baltimore take more advantage of All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton's versatile skillset. Without Oweh, Kyle Van Noy, Tavius Robinson, Mike Green, and David Ojabo will be counted on to lead the pass rush. The Ravens have just six sacks and need to find ways to generate pressure.
Will Baltimore's defense slow down the Rams?
Stafford leads the league with 1,503 passing yards and has thrown for 375 and 389 in his last two games. His two favorite receivers are elite – Puka Nacua, who leads the NFL in receptions (52) and receiving yards (588), and Davante Adams (22 catches, 357 yards, three touchdowns), a six-time Pro Bowler. Williams is sixth in the league in rushing (368 yards) and averages 4.5 yards per carry. The Ravens surrendered a season-high 44 points in Week 5, and facing the Rams' offense will be another measuring stick for Baltimore's defense.
How will the Ravens respond to their most one-sided defeat of the season?
From veteran players to rookies, the Ravens have been itching for a chance at redemption after their performance against Houston. The 1-4 start has been difficult, but the season is far from over.
"I think it's been a lesson," rookie Malaki Starks said. "It's a test. I think there are two ways to look at it. It's either, 'Alright, it wasn't our year. We didn't have whatever, it wasn't our year,' or 'OK, this is a test. What do we need to do to get to where we want to be?'"
A victory over the Rams could be the spark that ignites the turnaround Baltimore is seeking.
X-Factor Players
RB Derrick Henry
Henry has been held to 50 yards or fewer in four straight games, and the Ravens need to get their running attack back in gear. Baltimore is 9-0 over the past two seasons when Henry gets at least 20 carries. Riding Henry, sustaining drives, and keeping the Rams' offense off the field are keys to victory.
S Kyle Hamilton
Hamilton's return after a one-game absence will help the Ravens physically, strategically, and emotionally. He organizes the secondary, impacts the passing defense and run defense, and brings leadership and physicality. He'll be a major part of the Ravens' defensive game plan, as always.
CB Nate Wiggins
The Ravens' talented young corner will be busy whether he's defending Nacua or Adams, because Stafford is not afraid to challenge any defender. That should give Wiggins opportunities to make plays and perhaps pull out his box celebration.
