Key I: Rams win turnover battle
While it seems obvious, the LA Rams entered Week 16 with a net turnover of (-2), while the New Orleans Saints arrived with a net turnover of (+5). Securing the football is something that every NFL team understands as very important to accomplish, and yet each week the team that seems to win the turnover battle seems to win the game.
For the LA Rams in Week 16, the Rams converted a Jordan Fuller interception of Saints quarterback Derek Carr into a touchdown. That was the only turnover of the game and changed the entire complexion of the game.
So how have the Ramve handled turnovers since their Week 10 BYE?
Rams best ball security against the toughest opponents
Lets break down how turnovers have played out for Rams in a data table (below):
Week | Opponent | Rams T/Os | Opponent T/Os | Net T/O |
---|---|---|---|---|
11 | Seahawks | 1 | 1 | 0 |
12 | @ Cardinals | 1 | 0 | -1 |
13 | Browns | 0 | 1 | +1 |
14 | @ Ravens | 0 | 1 | +1 |
15 | Commanders | 2 | 1 | -1 |
16 | Saints | 0 | 1 | +1 |
While the Rams have coughed up the football four times in the past six games, the occasions of those turnovers have not been the sort to hurt the Rams. But the Rams have created a turnover in five of the last six games, a marked improvement for the Rams
Another positive trend in the above table is that the Rams have been their best at securing the football against their toughest opponents. In fact, the Rams have a +3 net turnover against the four opponents who faced the Rams with a .500 or better record.
In the end, there are plenty of reasons why the Rams are clobbering all comers right now. But dare to look past the obvious reasons and uncover some to the subtle factors for the Rams recent run of victories. You'll be glad that you did.