Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford completed 79% of his throws against Las Vegas, which should tell you everything you need to know about the 2025 NFL MVP’s ability to still sling it. Now coach Sean McVay, on whom much of this disappointing season should be blamed, is contemplating a two-kicker experiment for his shambolic special teams. As a Rams fan, I’m fed up with how sloppily this team manages field position. Both clubs play at SoFi; the Rams get no travel advantage to soften the already-on-paper soft assignment versus a slightly-healthier Los Angeles Chargers team. The Battle for LA, I suppose. Below is my preview, prediction, and pick for this week’s NFL game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles Chargers.
Here’s how I’ll play it. I’ll be pumping out these predictions for individual games all season, with plenty of coverage here on DraftKings Network. Follow my handle @dansby_edits for more betting plays.
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Rams vs. Chargers prediction, preview
Against Las Vegas, McVay moved Stafford’s launch point and mixed screens with play action, helping him sustain drives through shorter completions. Running backs Kyren Williams and Blake Corum pounded out 192 yards on 33 carries, alternating drives before Williams fumbled. Corum had already earned his turns. Their early rushing gains left McVay room to vary the next call, and after turnovers made the afternoon needlessly competitive, the Rams finally assembled the long touchdown drive that closed it.
Stafford should have to string those shorter gains together again. The Chargers have held opponents to -0.028 EPA/play under defensive coordinator Chris O’Leary, although safety Derwin James has gone on injured reserve and corners Donte Jackson and Rodney Shelley are questionable. McVay can concentrate throws on Rams receiver Puka Nacua, targeted on 36% of his routes this season, while using heavier formations to preserve the rushing and play-action options.
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert needs some comparable help. His offense comes off the bye averaging a joyless 15 ppg, with a league-worst -0.190 EPA/play and 40.1% success rate. At Kansas City, the Chargers butchered first-and-goal at the 1: a holding penalty, a shovel pass that lost yards, two incompletions, then a field goal. Offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel retained playcalling duties and spent two extended film sessions with Herbert. His players still have to block the right defender, catch the available throw and stop wrecking manageable downs.
Chargers vs. Rams pick, best bet
Tackle Joe Alt returns and receiver Ladd McConkey has cleared his concussion, giving Herbert a better chance to release the ball before the pocket collapses. Left guard Kayode Awosika is out, however. Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula held Las Vegas to 48 rushing yards and 3-of-14 on third down with a depleted unit. He gets linebacker Nate Landman back, though defensive linemen Poona Ford and Kobie Turner remain unavailable. His replacements handled the Raiders’ struggling ground game with encouraging coordination.
Rams center Coleman Shelton and tight end Colby Parkinson are questionable, too. Stafford could have a rougher afternoon than he did against Las Vegas, and the kicking and coverage units can still make a comfortable lead precarious. Herbert has nevertheless thrown an interception in every game, with the Chargers committing 15 turnovers through six outings. I’m backing the Rams -6.5. Williams, Corum and Stafford’s shorter completions can sustain the possessions McVay needs to close this out while the Chargers squander too many of theirs.
Best bet: Rams -6.5 (-112).
Projected score: Rams 27, Chargers 17.
