The first place 9-3 Los Angeles Rams will face the hardest part of their regular season schedule during the next two weeks when they battle two of the best teams in the National Football League. On Sunday they host the 10-2 Philadelphia Eagles at 1:25 and on December 17, they face the Seattle Seahawks in Seattle. Both games have playoff implications that include a battle for home field advantage.
Last Sunday the Rams took their show on the road to beat the Arizona Cardinals 32-16. In their win over the Cardinals quarterback Jared Goff completed 21 of 31 passes for 220 yards and two touchdowns. During season Goff has completed 244 of 392 passes for 3,184 yards and 20 touchdowns.
Running back Todd Gurley II has rushed for 939 yards and scored eight touchdowns. He has also caught 48 passes for 563 yards. Rookie receiver Cooper Kupp leads the Rams with 51 catches for 665 yards and injured receiver Robert Wood has 47 receptions for 703 yards. Woods is expected to return to the lineup in two weeks. Speedy receiver Sammy Watkins has 31 receptions for 528 yards.
On defense defensive tackle Aaron Donald leads the team with eight sacks. Other players who are playing well on defense are linemen Morgan Fox, Michael Brockers, Matt Kongacre and Ethan Westbrooks, linebackers Cory Littleton, Alec Ogletree and Mark Barron, safety Lamarcus Joyner and cornerback Trumaine Johnson.
On special teams the Rams have been outstanding this year. Punter Johnny Hekker continues to be one of the best in the NFL and kicker Greg Zuerlain has scored 143 points so far this season. Also playing well on the special teams is punt and kickoff returner Pharoh Cooper.