Los Angeles Rams vs. New York Giants Preview: Avoid the Tyrod Taylor Trap Game

The New York Giants will have Tyrod Taylor under center on Sunday when they host the Los Angeles Rams, who cannot afford to drop a very winnable game.

The Los Angeles Rams have done what they’ve needed to do to play themselves into semi-favorable playoff positioning, but they can’t let up now.

After beating the New Orleans Saints in Inglewood 30-22, they earned themselves a little breathing room in the NFC playoff picture, holding the conference's sixth seed. Losing to the New York Giants on Sunday, though, would make Week 18’s game against the San Francisco 49ers of the must-win variety. That wouldn't bode well for Los Angeles’ playoff hopes.

Thus, finding a road win is critical. The Giants have proven to be feisty, but back-to-back losses have put a three-game win streak well out of the rear-view mirror. The Tommy DeVito Era, seemingly, is over – they’ll turn to veteran Tyrod Taylor.

Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Simply put, this is a trap game for the Rams. They have the most important talent advantage – quarterback Matthew Stafford is playing near-MVP-level football, and Taylor provided relief, rather than a start, for a reason. But Los Angeles has the upper hand all over the field.

The Giants rank 31st in expected points added per play on offense and 22nd on defense. If Los Angeles can avoid dominant nose tackle Dexter Lawrence from breaking the game – as he did against the New York Jets – the Rams will give themselves a shot. The balanced offense that running back Kyren Williams and receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp provide shouldn’t see much trouble.

On the other side of the ball, Los Angeles faces a slippery slope. Sure, New York isn’t productive, but they do have playmakers. Taylor is competent, and running back Saquon Barkley is a threat should the offensive line give him a crease. Downfield playmakers like Darius Slayton and Jalin Hyatt could take advantage of a secondary that has had its lapses.

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The Rams are favored on the road, by almost a touchdown, for a reason. As long as they don’t play down to their competition, their playoff aspirations should remain healthy.

WHAT: Los Angeles Rams (8-7) vs. New York Giants (5-10)

WHERE: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ (82,500)

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 31, 10 a.m. (PT)

TELEVISION: FOX

RADIO: ESPN LA 710 AM, Tu Liga 1330 AM

ODDS: Rams -5.5 (-110), Moneyline: -250, Total: 44.5 (o -110/u -110)