Why Rams can't afford to underestimate the Commanders in Week 9

The Los Angeles Rams (4-4) are back on the road for a Week 9 clash with head coach Sean McVay's former team, the Washington Commanders (2-4-1). Both teams are in third place in their respective divisions. Washington boasts a 2-1-1 home record, while LA is the better traveling team at 2-1.

Well, something has to give in Week 9.

It may seem like a game that the Horns should win easily. Perhaps that's true. But the Commanders are not a team to take lightly. They are potent at home and coming off a bye. Meanwhile, LA limps in having just lost cornerback Jaylen Watson for the season due to a shoulder injury. Quarterback Matthew Stafford has a sore throwing arm.

While those concerns are worth monitoring, the Rams are facing challenges that go beyond bumps and bruises. Playing the underrated Commanders must be viewed as a significant test. Thanks to unexpected early-season losses, LA has painted itself into a corner of must-win games.

Here are four reasons this game is of underrated importance for the Rams.

4 reasons the Rams can't look past Commanders in Week 9

A win would nudge LA over .500

After starting off the season with a humbling loss to the San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles is on the cusp of finally exceeding .500 for the first time. And that comes with its own set of problems. The Rams need to win, and keep on winning, to remain in postseason discussions.

Washington is an often-overlooked opponent

It's difficult to get mentally prepared when coming up against a struggling team. The 2-4-1 Commanders fall into that category. But they are not exactly powerless, as they have plenty of weapons. And Washington is coming off its bye, which means the coaching staff has had two weeks to prepare.

Commanders have been feisty at times

Washington has struggled versus competitive teams, but they're coming off a win over the Eagles. They've also bested the Seahawks. Los Angeles, struggling with injuries, is well within beatable range for the victory-starved Commanders. Even in their loss to the 49ers, they were within one score at the final whistle.

Jayden Daniels is itching for respect

Commanders QB Jayden Daniels is better than the team's record suggests. He has completed 62.5 percent of his passes while throwing for 976 yards, six touchdowns, and no interceptions in five games. Most dangerous on the move, he's also rushed 27 times for 236 yards.

The Rams' schedule makes it clear that the competition is on the rise. Winning now is vital if this team hopes to compete in the postseason. Beating the Commanders is not a given. Hopefully, LA is prepared for a battle.

As always, thanks for reading.

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