Rams vs Chargers preseason Week 2: 7 storylines fans must monitor

Just when you were starting to catch your breath from all of the exciting, and not-so-exciting, news from the Rams first preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys, here comes Game 2 of the team's preseason. In this game, the Rams will play as the visiting team at SoFi Stadium to face their cross-town rivals, the Los Angeles Chargers.

The LA Rams offense did not fare well when these two teams faced off in a joint practice and scrimmage earlier in the month. At the time, the Rams had just learned of injuries to starting tackles Alaric Jackson and Rob Havenstein, and to left guard Jonah Jackson. The Rams backup offensive linemen were just promoted to step up with the 1s, and had to face the likes of Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa.

It was a great test for the offensive line. But the results were a bit . . . meh.

That should not be the case in Game 2 of the NFL preseason.

While the Rams will not suit up starters (except in cases with no alternative, like kicker or punter) or even a majority of backups who will serve in key rotational roles, do not expect the same from the Los Angeles Chargers.

Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh played some of his starters in Game 1 to face the Seattle Seahawks. They lost that game by a score of 16-3, which suggests that he will be inclined to play even more starters in Game 2. Conversely, the Rams have tended to sit even more players who have 'earned' a roster spot in preseason. That could mean that the team will bench standouts like rookie WR Jordan Whittington, DB Kamren Kinchens, and RB/PR/KR Boston Scott this week.

That does not mean that the Rams will not have many compelling reasons to tune in and watch this one. The first preseason game was vastly entertaining and left all of us with plenty to unpack from that game and even more to look forward to in Game 2.

Here are our top seven storylines that are incredibly compelling this week that you should keep them on your radar. Let's take a look: