Saints vs. Rams Pregame Report: Week 16

The Saints and Rams clash in a very pivotal game to kick off Week 16.

There's three games left in the regular season for all 32 NFL teams, and two of them square off tonight to kick off Week 16. The Saints (7-7) and Rams (7-7) both enter Thursday Night Football with postseason aspirations, and the importance of the outcome raises the stakes. Here's what you need to know about this matchup ahead of kickoff.

Week 16 Saints Pregame Report

All-Time Series: The Rams hold the all-time regular season series 42-34. The home team has won the past 8. These two have met in the postseason twice and have split.

Where to Watch: Prime Video (7:15 p.m. CT), Al Michaels, Kirk Herbstreit, Kaylee Hartung (field reporter)

Where to Stream: Amazon, Saints App, NFL+

Where to Listen: WWL Radio locally (105.3FM) with Mike Hoss, Deuce McAllister, and Jeff Nowak (sideline reporter); Westwood One: Spero Dedes, Mike Golic; SIRIUSXM: 81/226 (NO), 83/225 (LAR), 88 (National)

Referee: Brad Rogers

Current Lines: Rams -4.5 (O/U at 45.5)

Jersey Combo: Color Rush

Last 5 Matchups

• 11/20/22 - Saints 27, Rams 20
• 9/15/19 - Rams 27, Saints 9
• 1/20/19 - Rams 26, Saints 23 (OT, NFC Championship)
  
• 11/4/18 - Saints 45, Rams 35
• 11/26/17 - Rams 26, Saints 20

Saints Notes and Storylines for Week 16

Sep 25, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (12) reacts after catching the ball in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

CHRIS OLAVE BACK IN THE MIX

Dennis Allen confirmed that Chris Olave will return and play against the Rams. The Saints offense was able to move the football well against the Giants despite not having No. 12 in the mix. He's a huge part of the scheme, which will hopefully open up the offense some more for New Orleans. He's been their best receiver this season, and a big game calls for big players to step up in big moments.

SOLVING FOR KYREN WILLIAMS

The Rams rushing attack is one of the big reasons they're having success, but it doesn't stop there. Their receivers do a really nice job blocking on the perimeter, something Dennis Allen was quick to praise when talking about their corps. One of the things I asked defensive coordinator Joe Woods this week on how to combat that is to ensure the corners have good eye discipline and be able to stay with the play. The New Orleans defense did a nice job shutting down Saquon Barkley and the Giants last week, so let's see if lightning can strike twice.

MAKE MATTHEW STAFFORD UNCOMFORTABLE

The Saints pass rush is coming off an impressive seven sack performance. Matthew Stafford is playing well and is going to want to get the ball out quickly against the opportunistic New Orleans pass rush. It's going to be a very short window to affect the Rams quarterback, but they're going to have to make it work if they want to force Stafford into some bad decisions and keep the momentum going.

FULL STEAM AHEAD OFFENSIVELY

Now would be a horrible time to see areas like the Red Zone and 3rd Down offense regress. The Saints are riding a little bit of a hot streak coming into this game in both categories, and Derek Carr will have to ensure that he keeps that going. Getting Chris Olave back will certainly help, but it won't stop there. If New Orleans does end up getting Kendre Miller (ankle) back in the mix, that would also be a very sneaky addition to what the team could do offensively. They'll be without Ryan Ramczyk (knee) once again, so it's another big test for Landon Young and the offensive line.

Week 16 Saints-Rams Coverage

• Saints Offense Must Continue Momentum Against Rams in Huge Showdown
• UPDATE: Chris Olave, Cam Jordan, Ryan Ramczyk Status For Saints-Rams Game
• Rams Offense Poses A Challenge For Saints Defense
• Saints-Rams Predictions | Week 16
• Saints vs. Rams Prediction, Best Bets & Odds for Thursday, 12/21
• Saints vs. Rams: A First Look at Week 16's Matchup
• Saints And The Playoff Picture Entering Week 16
• Zack Baun Coming on Strong for Saints
• Saints Playoff Hopes Rest In 'Best of Three' Series