Los Angeles Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks Preview: Can McVay Overcome Kupp Injury?

The Los Angeles Rams will start their season against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, without the services of star receiver Cooper Kupp.

The Los Angeles Rams’ plan to return to relevance in 2023 revolves around the health and performance of quarterback Matthew Stafford, receiver Cooper Kupp, and defensive lineman Aaron Donald. A lingering hamstring injury has already ensured that Kupp will no longer be a part of Los Angeles’ early-season plans.

The Rams placed Kupp on injured reserve on Saturday, holding him out of the team’s first four games. He’ll be absent for Los Angeles’ season opener on Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks.

There’s little argument about the strength of Seattle’s offense. Quarterback Geno Smith broke out in 2022, throwing for 4,282 yards and 30 touchdowns. Throwing to talented receivers like DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett should be even easier now that first-round rookie receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba is drawing attention over the middle of the field.

That’s a lot to keep up with for a Rams team without their best offensive player. Adding to the challenge is an offensive line that seems less steady than a California fault line. The starting offensive line may not be finalized until kickoff.

Amongst position switches, late-camp trades, and a flurry of injuries, there’s a lot of uncertainty up front. A lack of continuity is the byproduct, and it’s likely to have its own set of consequences in Week 1.

Very little is set in stone for a team as young as Los Angeles, but head coach Sean McVay has remained confident in his offense. Given his prowess as a play caller, maybe that’s justified.

“I believe they’ve earned the right to be confident and go play with a quieted mind,” McVay said, largely referring to the run game that could buoy the Rams’ offense. “Go shoot your shot, and then we’ll see what happens when we kick this thing off on Sunday.”

McVay’s optimism isn’t blind—he’s 8-5 against Seattle, including four wins as the visiting team. Capturing his next one may be his most daunting Week 1 task yet.

WHAT: Los Angeles Rams (0-0) vs Seattle Seahawks (0-0)

WHERE: Lumen Field, Seattle, WA (68,740)

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023, 1:25 p.m. (PT)

TELEVISION: FOX

RADIO: ESPNLA 710 AM, Ty Liga Radio 1330 AM

ODDS: Rams +4.5 (-110), +175 moneyline, Total: 45.5 (o -118/u -110)

Make sure to follow along with in-game updates at Ram Digest!