The New Orleans Saints (4-7) return from their bye week refreshed and ready to face the Los Angeles Rams (5-6) in a pivotal Week 13 matchup. Both teams have had their ups and downs this season, but the stakes remain high as they push to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. The Rams are coming off a blowout loss to the Eagles, a game that exposed several weaknesses, while the Saints will look to capitalize on a solid performance against the Cleveland Browns before the break.
Here’s a detailed game preview, scouting report, key matchups to watch, and a score prediction for Sunday’s showdown in the Superdome.
Scouting Report
Los Angeles Rams
Record: 5-6
Offense: The Rams’ offense is powered by quarterback Matthew Stafford, who has demonstrated flashes of brilliance this season despite battling injuries. Wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua form one of the league’s most dangerous receiving duos, combining elite route-running and yards-after-catch ability. However, the offensive line has struggled, allowing five sacks last week against the Eagles. The run game has been inconsistent, with second-year running back Kyren Williams showing promise, but the team often leans on Stafford’s arm to move the chains.
Defense: Without Aaron Donald, the Rams’ once-dominant defensive line has taken a significant step back. Ranked 28th in rush defense, they allow an average of 144.4 yards per game on the ground. The secondary has been middle-of-the-pack, but they’ve struggled to contain explosive plays. The Rams’ defense relies heavily on young talent, which has shown promise but remains a year or two away from being a cohesive unit.
New Orleans Saints
Record: 4-7
Offense: The Saints enter this game with a battered receiving corps, as both Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed are out with injuries. Marquez Valdez-Scantling has emerged as a key target for Derek Carr, who has been efficient but lacks game-breaking playmakers. The Saints’ rushing attack, led by Alvin Kamara and Taysom Hill, will be the focal point of their offense after a 259-yard performance against Cleveland in Week 12. The offensive line has shown improvement in recent weeks, but pass protection remains a concern.
Defense: New Orleans’ defense has been a mixed bag this season. While the pass rush has improved, with six sacks in the last two games, the secondary has been decimated by injuries and trades. Rookie Kool-Aid McKinstry and Alontae Taylor will be tasked with containing Kupp and Nacua—a daunting challenge for an inexperienced duo. The key for the Saints will be generating pressure on Stafford to force mistakes and limit the Rams’ big-play potential.
Related: The Eagles Exposed the Rams—Can the Saints Do the Same?
Key Matchups to Watch
Saints’ Run Game vs. Rams’ Rush Defense
The Rams’ inability to stop the run has been a glaring weakness all season, and the Saints are well-positioned to exploit it. Alvin Kamara and Taysom Hill combined for over 200 rushing yards and four touchdowns in their last game, and they’ll need to replicate that success to control the clock and keep Matthew Stafford on the sidelines. If the Saints can establish the run early, they’ll dictate the game’s pace and open up opportunities for play-action passes.
Kool-Aid McKinstry and Alontae Taylor vs. Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua
This is the matchup that could define the game. Kupp and Nacua can dominate against inexperienced defenders, and the Saints’ young cornerbacks will need help from the pass rush to keep them in check. Look for defensive coordinator Joe Woods to dial up creative blitz packages to pressure Stafford and prevent him from connecting on deep routes.
Saints’ Defensive Line vs. Rams’ Offensive Line
The Rams’ offensive line struggled mightily against the Eagles, allowing constant pressure on Stafford. Carl Granderson and Chase Young will look to replicate that success by winning their one-on-one matchups and disrupting the pocket. If the Saints can generate consistent pressure without blitzing, it will free up their linebackers and safeties to focus on limiting Kupp and Nacua in the passing game.
Marquez Valdez-Scantling vs. Rams’ Secondary
With Olave and Shaheed sidelined, Valdez-Scantling has become Derek Carr’s go-to target. The Rams will likely key in on him, so the Saints must find creative ways to get him open. This could include deep shots off play-action or quick slants to take advantage of soft coverage.
Matthew Stafford vs. Saints’ Coverage Scheme
Stafford’s ability to dissect defenses will be tested against the Saints’ injury-riddled secondary. The key for New Orleans will be disguising their coverage schemes and forcing Stafford to hold the ball longer, allowing their pass rush to get home. If Stafford has time, he’ll pick apart the Saints’ defense with precision passes to Kupp and Nacua.
Game Plan for the Saints
Offense
- Lean heavily on the run game with Kamara and Hill to exploit the Rams’ weak rush defense.
- Use play-action to create opportunities for Valdez-Scantling and the tight ends in the passing game.
- Limit turnovers and control the clock to keep the Rams’ offense off the field.
Defense
- Generate pressure on Stafford with the front four to disrupt his timing and force hurried throws.
- Provide safety help for McKinstry and Payton to prevent big plays from Kupp and Nacua.
- Focus on stopping the run early to make the Rams one-dimensional.
Score Prediction
This game will likely determine which team can execute their game plan more effectively. The Saints have a clear path to victory through their rushing attack, but the Rams’ potent passing game poses a significant challenge. If New Orleans can generate pressure on Stafford and control the tempo with their ground game, they have a legitimate shot at pulling off the upset.
Final Score Prediction: Saints 24, Rams 21
The Saints edged out a hard-fought victory, leaning on Kamara and Hill to control the game and a timely defensive stand to seal the win.
