Los Angeles Rams vs. Cleveland Browns Preview: Will Aaron Donald or Myles Garrett Take Over?

The Los Angeles Rams will host the Cleveland Browns who lack health at quarterback, but compensate with an elite defense. Will the Rams do enough to win in Week 13?

The Los Angeles Rams may have played their most complete game of the season in Week 12, defeating the Arizona Cardinals 37-14. In Week 13, they’ll get a tougher draw.

On Sunday, the Cleveland Browns will come to town without starting quarterback Deshaun Watson. Rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson was supposed to take his place, but after sustaining big hits last week, Cleveland will likely turn to veteran Joe Flacco.

If so, it will be his first action of the season.

Dorian Thompson-Robinson (left) and Myles Garrett are both dealing with injuries heading into Week 13 / USA Today Network

The Browns don’t offer much in the form of a potent offense, which lines up nicely with Los Angeles’ recent defensive performance. After holding the Seattle Seahawks to 16 points and the Cardinals to 14, this young unit seems to be gelling at the right time.

Cleveland however, does an excellent job of compensating for its less-than-imposing offense. Its defense is easily amongst the league’s best, boasting significant leads over the field in terms of expected points added and success rate. 

Headlined by defensive end Myles Garrett, the Browns are not short for talent on this side of the ball. They have the pass rush to disrupt the Rams’ vertical passing game and the cover corners to quiet receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua–especially while the former is banged up.

Could Browns Be Without Two Starters vs. Rams?

This one could get ugly in a flash. In what could be a race to 20, it’ll be on the likes of Garrett and Rams lineman Aaron Donald to make the opposing quarterback uncomfortable. Los Angeles quarterback Matthew Stafford will undoubtedly be challenged. Ensuring whoever takes snaps for Cleveland is under the same level of duress will be important.

Expect whoever wins the turnover battle to come away with this one, boosting their playoff positioning and delivering a critical blow to the loser.

WHAT: Los Angeles Rams (5-6) vs. Cleveland Browns (7-4)

WHEN: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA (70,240)

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023, 1:25 p.m. (PT)

TELEVISION: FOX

RADIO: ESPNLA 710 AM, Tu Liga 1330 AM

ODDS: Rams -3.5 (-110), -188 Moneyline, Total: 40.5 (o -110/u -118)