3. Can either team protect the ball while forcing any turnovers? The Rams have struggled to hold on to the ball, committing 15 turnovers in nine games. Matthew Stafford is responsible for 11 of those (eight INTs, three fumbles) in the eight games he played. He didn't suit up against Arizona last week since he was still dealing with the effects of a concussion suffered in the previous game. John Wolford got the start in his place and turned it over twice (INT, fumble) in the 27-17 loss to the Cardinals. Pass protection also has been an issue, as Stafford has been sacked 28 times (tied for fourth in the league) and Wolford went down three times vs. Arizona. But turnovers have been an even bigger problem for the Saints.

Compounding the line's problems, James Hurst only appeared on 57 percent of the offensive snaps after leaving the game with a concussion. The absence of starting linemen showed in the meager performance of New Orleans' offense. The Saints gained only 29 yards on the ground on 15 carries. That is the lowest output since rushing 14 times for 27 yards in a loss at Baltimore in Week 15 of the 2010 season. Alvin Kamara picked up only 26 yards on eight carries.

On his own team, he has nearly three times as many receptions as any other wide receiver (tight end Tyler Higbee is second overall with 44), and his yardage represents 38 percent of the Rams' entire production (2, 149 receiving yards). He's also responsible for two-thirds of the touchdown catches (six of the nine). With Kupp sidelined, someone else will have to step up — and that's before digging too deep into the offense's issues running the ball and protecting the quarterback. Allen Robinson II (29 rec., 292 yds., 2 TDs) and Ben Skowronek (26, 245) have been the most productive wideouts after Kupp, but the hope is that Van Jefferson can finally make an impact after missing most of this season due to a knee injury. Jefferson only has eight catches for 27 yards in three games thus far, but he does have a touchdown and this is a guy who played a big part in the Rams' Super Bowl run last season with 89 catches for 802 yards and six touchdowns in the regular season alone. Unless Los Angeles figures out a way to get much more out of a running game that's last in the league with just 68.

1 yards per game, other pass catchers are going to have to increase their production. On the other side, though, New Orleans' job is much easier knowing it won't have to worry about Kupp dissecting their coverage and gobbling up yards after the catch. The Saints also enter this game sixth in the league in passing defense (195. 9 ypg), although they have surrendered 11 touchdowns compared to just two interceptions. The Rams also will be catching a break because New Orleans will be down four defensive starters on Sunday. Defensive ends Cameron Jordan (eye) and Marcus Davenport (calf), linebacker Pete Werner (ankle), and cornerback Marshon Lattimore (abdomen) have all been ruled out.

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That was just the 10th time in 88 career games that he had less than 30 yards on at least eight attempts. Taysom Hill rushed for one yard on three attempts. As for Sunday, Hurst has already been ruled out and Peat is questionable with a triceps injury. Whoever makes up the offensive line for this game will have their work cut out for them, as Los Angeles is fourth in the league in rushing defense, giving up 96.

Los Angeles Rams vs. New Orleans Saints Prediction: Struggling NFC Teams Meet in the SuperdomeNFC teams that are somewhat surprisingly well out of the playoff conversation will meet on Sunday when the Los Angeles Rams take on the New Orleans Saints. Related: Expert Picks for Every Week 11 NFL GameThe Rams (3-6) appear to have not yet recovered from their post-Super Bowl hangover or, at least, from whatever they did during their bye week. They have lost three straight since having a break in Week 7. The fact that two of their defeats occurred against divisional opponents hurts even more.

New Orleans has just seven takeaways this season, including two interceptions (tied for fewest in the league), while Los Angeles isn't much better with eight turnovers forced (5 INTs). Final AnalysisBoth teams' hopes for the playoffs are fading fast. The Super Bowl hangover has been fierce for the Rams, who trail NFC West leader Seattle by 3. 5 games with eight left to play. At this point, even getting a wild-card berth seems highly unlikely.

Los Angeles Rams vs New Orleans Saints - NFL - Odds Shark