Game Preview: Raiders face Matthew Stafford, Rams in Week 7

Published: Oct 16, 2024 at 11:30 AM Updated: Oct 16, 2024 at 02:26 PM

Rachel Gossen

Digital Managing Editor

The Las Vegas Raiders (2-4) head back to SoFi Stadium, this time for a matchup against the Los Angeles Rams (1-4).

Kickoff is set for Sunday, October 20 at 1:05 p.m. PT.

Broadcast information

Network/Flagship	Play-by-play	Color Analyst
TV: CBS	Kevin Harlan	Trent Green
Local Radio: KOMP 92.3 FM and KRLV "Raider Nation Radio 920 AM"	Jason Horowitz	Lincoln Kennedy
Spanish Radio: Deportes Vegas 1460 AM	Harry Ruiz	Mayra Gomez

Opponent profile

Coach: Sean McVay

Quarterback: Matthew Stafford

2023 record: 10-7

Key additions: DE Jared Verse, RB Blake Corum, DT Braden Fiske, QB Jimmy Garoppolo, CB Tre'Davious White, G Kevin Dotson

Key losses: DT Aaron Donald, S Jordan Fuller

Rams Roster | Rams Depth Chart

What to know

The Rams will be well-rested when facing the Raiders as the Los Angeles squad is coming off a bye week. Under Head Coach Sean McVay, the Rams are 4-3 following a bye week (2-1 at home).

Week 7 could be the return of receiver Cooper Kupp, who has been sidelined with an ankle injury suffered in Week 2. McVay said Wednesday that Kupp will practice in individual drills this week and that his return to the field this week is possible, per Ian Rapoport. Second-year receiver Puka Nacua remains on injured reserve with a knee injury, "still a little bit of ways away," per McVay.

In Kupp and Nacua's absences, Tutu Atwell leads the team with 281 receiving yards on 17 receptions while on the ground, Kyren Williams leads the Rams with 360 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 95 carries. The third-year running back has scored a rushing touchdown in eight straight games, dating back to last season – tied for the longest active streak with David Montgomery. The Rams have an 8-3 record in Williams' career when he has a game with 100+ yards from scrimmage and a touchdown.

Matchup history

The Raiders lead the all-time regular season series against the Rams, 8-7, dating back to 1972.
Last time: The Rams defeated the Raiders, 17-16, on Dec. 8, 2022.
Current streak: The Rams have won the last three matchups against the Raiders.

A look at the stats

Following Week 6, the Raiders offense ranks 27th in the league in total offense (293.3 yards per game), 17th in passing (213.8 ypg), 31st in rushing (79.5 ypg) and tied for 26th in points (18.2 ppg). Defensively, the Raiders rank 12th in total defense (326.5 ypg), seventh in passing (186.2 ypg), 24th in rushing (140.3 ypg) and tied for 27th in points allowed (27.2 ppg).

The Rams offense ranks 16th in the league in total offense (324.0 yards per game), 12th in passing (226.6 ypg), 27th in rushing (97.4 ypg) and tied for 22nd in points (18.8 ppg). Defensively, the Rams rank 28th in total defense (373.8 ypg), 18th in passing (216.2 ypg), 32nd in rushing (157.6 ypg) and 29th in points allowed (27.8 ppg).

Milestones to watch

TE Brock Bowers needs two receptions to pass Amari Cooper (38) for the most receptions in Raiders history among players in their first seven games.
Bowers needs six receptions to reach 43 receptions through his first seven career games, the most in NFL history by a tight end in their first seven career games, passing Keith Jackson (42 in 1988).
Bowers needs 16 receiving yards to reach 400 receiving yards and become one of three tight ends in NFL history to reach 400+ receiving yards in his first seven career games.
DE Maxx Crosby needs 0.5 sacks to pass Anthony Smith (57.5) for third on the Raiders all-time sacks list.
Crosby needs three tackles for loss to become one of four players in NFL history (since at least 1999) to reach 100 tackles for loss in his first six NFL seasons, joining J.J. Watt (133), Aaron Donald (117) and DeMarcus Ware (101).
With 2.0 sacks or more, Crosby will notch his 14th career game with 2.0+ sacks, passing Howie Long (13) for the second most two-sack games in franchise history (since 1982).
With 10 tackles, LB Robert Spillane would notch his 16th game with 10+ tackles, tying Antonio Pierce (16) for the 11th most of such games among undrafted defenders since 2000.

Team connections

Raiders assistant special teams coach Derius Swinton II served as the Rams special teams quality control coach from 2009-11.
Rams senior offensive assistant Jerry Schuplinski spent two seasons with the Raiders.
Rams quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo played for the Raiders in 2023.

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Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium.