Two Matthew Stafford Passing Touchdowns Give Rams 17-7 Halftime Lead Over Saints

The Los Angeles Rams hold a 10-point lead over the New Orleans Saints at halftime on "Thursday Night Football."

The Los Angeles Rams hold a 17-7 lead over the New Orleans Saints at halftime of Thursday night's game at SoFi Stadium behind an two passing touchdowns and a Lucas Havrisik field goal. 

The Rams defense held firm on New Orleans' opening drive, and they responded with a 95-yard touchdown drive of their own that was capped off by a passing score from Matthew Stafford to rookie Puka Nacua from two yards out on a fourth-and-goal gamble. 

After forcing a turnover on downs, the Rams drove down the field again, but this time, they settled for a 20-yard field goal from Havrisik. Los Angeles also had another field goal attempt later in the second quarter from 47 yards out, but Havrisik's effort sailed wide left, keeping the Rams' lead at 10-0. 

The Saints had enjoyed nothing of substance on offense until late in the first half when they took the ball 63 yards in three plays for their first points of the night, seeing a 45-yard score from a Derek Carr pass to Rashid Shaheed.

Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports / Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

At the end of the half, L.A. forced another turnover on downs from New Orleans, getting the ball back with 56 seconds left in the second quarter. A deep pass from Stafford to Demarcus Robinson set up another connection between the duo later on that possession, this one for a four-yard touchdown that extended the advantage to 17-7. 

Statistically speaking, the Rams offense has put up 244 yards compared to 164 from the Saints. Matthew Stafford finished the half with 199 passing yards on 16 completions, and Kyren Williams leads Los Angeles in rushing with 47 yards on 10 carries.

Rams vs. Saints Live In-Game Updates, Highlights

Los Angeles will receive the football to open the second half at SoFi Stadium, and you can follow along here with live updates from the second half of action.