6 key matchups that will decide Rams vs. Colts on Sunday

CB Emmanuel Forbes Jr. vs. WR Michael Pittman Jr.

The Rams struggled against A.J. Brown last week without Ahkello Witherspoon at cornerback, and Pittman can present some similar problems for Los Angeles. He’s a big, physical receiver at 6-foot-4 who can capitalize on matchups with smaller corners, which could make it difficult for Cobie Durant or Darious Williams to cover him.

Forbes isn’t big but he’s 6-foot and has long arms, which can help him contest throws down the field to Pittman. He just has to ensure he gets Pittman on the ground if he does make a catch because that can be difficult with how physical the receiver is.

NT Poona Ford vs. C Tanor Bortolini

Bortolini has been the weak link on the Colts’ offensive line when it comes to pass protection, earning a grade of 48.3 in that department, per PFF. He’s been solid in the run game, as has most of the Colts’ offensive line, but he’s susceptible to allowing pressure up the middle.

If Ford can disrupt Daniel Jones in the pocket by generating pressure and preventing the QB from stepping up, it’ll make a big difference for the defense as a whole. And against the run, Ford needs to be at his best as the Rams attempt to contain Jonathan Taylor, the league’s leading rusher.

LB Nate Landman vs. RB Jonathan Taylor

The Rams contained Saquon Barkley to near perfection last week and though Landman only had three tackles, he performed well against the run. Taylor is a similar type of weapon for the Colts in that he can make plays between the tackles, on outside runs and as a receiver.

Landman has helped elevate the play of the Rams’ run defense this season and they need him to step up again on Sunday. Taylor is a game-changer, leading the league with 338 rushing yards, while also adding eight catches for 93 yards receiving.

WR Davante Adams vs. CB Charvarius Ward

We don’t yet know the status of Kenny Moore II for the Colts, but if he plays, that’ll be another great matchup against Puka Nacua. What we do know is that Ward will match up with Adams often on the outside.

Matthew Stafford has been targeting Adams heavily through three games, even when he’s not always open. Expect that high target share to continue this weekend but Stafford has to be wary of going after Ward too often. He’s allowed just six catches for 37 yards and no touchdowns on nine targets this year.

S Kamren Curl vs. TE Tyler Warren

Quentin Lake will probably cover Warren when he lines up in the slot but if the tight end is attached the formation, the Rams could use Curl on him. Warren is probably too fast for Landman or Omar Speights, and while he does have a size advantage on Curl, the Rams safety is athletic enough to stick with Warren in coverage.

The rookie tight end is off to a terrific start with 14 catches for a team-high 193 yards, with a long of 41 yards. He’s a legitimate weapon in the middle of the field and the Rams can’t let him run wild on Sunday.

OLB Jared Verse vs. LT Bernhard Raimann

Raimann is an underrated left tackle for the Colts. He’s allowed just one sack this season, the only sack pinned on someone besides Jones, and has given up just six pressures in three games. He is prone to committing penalties, having been called for four of them this year, but he’s a solid player.

Is he good enough to slow down Verse, though? Verse was great against the Eagles and had a huge strip-sack in the third quarter, rushing against Philadelphia’s backup left tackle. This week, Verse will mostly rush against Raimann and it’s a matchup that has to favor the Rams.