Latest injury to Rams Davante Adams casts a dark cloud on Week 16 matchup

The 11-3 Los Angeles Rams defeated the 11-3 Seattle Seahawks by two points in a Week 11 showdown at SoFi Stadium. That victory included a one-yard touchdown reception by veteran wide receiver Davante Adams, as well as four interceptions thrown by Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold.

Even now, the Seahawks are attempting to tighten Darnold's leash, which could benefit the Horns instead. But while Seattle plots and schemes, Los Angeles has its own assortment of setbacks to manage this season. And the number one issue on the priority index is trying to get Davante Adams healthy enough to suit up for Week 16.

Right now, Adams' status is entirely up in the air. Will he play? Will he sit this one out? Well, now, he was a huge factor in the last one. His one reception showed up as seven points on the scoreboard. One of the latest projections has him stepping onto the football field in the red zone only. Hmmm...

Davante Adams is keeping the Seahawks guessing on defense.

Any NFL defense that faces LA's offense has to make specific plans to defend Adams in the red zone. Despite that focus, Adams has bested secondaries 14 times. And his presence on the football field has almost certainly padded the scoring of other receivers.

The Rams are already facing this game without veteran tight end Tyler Higbee and veteran right tackle Rob Havenstein. But the offense seems to be humming along with Colby Parkinson and Warren McClendon Jr. sliding in as starters.

Better still, LA's running backs averaged better than 5.0 yards per carry in the first contest.

Los Angeles has multiple offensive weapons and several differing strategies to optimize their production on the football field. Keep in mind that the Horns failed to lock in the ground assault, allowing Seattle to rack up nearly twice as much time of possession. If the Rams fail to adjust their offense to address that disparity, it will be a failed strategy.

So many believe that if the Seahawks fix Darnold, they will win. But that requires the impressive Rams coaching staff making no adjustments of their own, and presuming that all of the struggles experienced in Week 11 repeat themselves.

Don't count on it.

There is even the question of whether a top-seed in the NFC is worth the effort of pushing banged-up players to their limits. This is a must-win for the Seahawks. Los Angeles has locked up a playoff berth. Will Davante Adams risk his postseason to play in Week 16? We're all about to find out.

As always, thanks for reading.