5 key matchups to watch in Week 7

It’s hard to know who the Rams will use against Bowers. Josh Wallace played the majority of the slot snaps in Week 5, but is somewhat undersized compared to the 6-4 Bowers. Lake had been the primary defender in Weeks 1 through 4, but retreated to a more defensive role in Week 5.

This could be the week to put him back on the field and match him up with Bowers, who is the Raiders’ main target in the passing game. It doesn’t have to be a full-time role, but the Rams need someone who can cover Bowers one-on-one, especially on third down. Between the numbers, Lake is the Rams’ best cover man.

Crosby missed training on Wednesday due to an injury, so he’s not sure if he’ll be fit this weekend, but considering how strong he is, it would be a surprise if he didn’t play. Crosby is one of the most demanding defensive players due to his tireless motor and tireless effort, never giving up on a play no matter what happens.

He leads the team with 21 pressures and PFF has credited him with six sacks, so he’s been as disruptive as ever this season. Additionally, he is an excellent run defender thanks to his physicality and ability to get a lead.

Despite allowing a team-high 14 pressures and the most sacks by an offensive tackle (6) this season, Miller is named the Raiders’ best pass blocker according to PFF. It’s still a favorable matchup for Verse, who is off to a great start as a rookie this year and is consistently generating pressure, matching Kobie Turner with 20 pressures in five games.

Given the mobile quarterbacks the Verses and the Rams have faced so far, facing a traditional pocket passer in Aidan O’Connell will be a nice break. That might result in a sack or two of verse.

While we wait on Cooper Kupp’s status, Atwell should remain a key piece on offense whether the All-Pro receiver plays or not. Atwell is an outside receiver who can stretch the field vertically and gain big yards after the catch if he creates enough distance.

That shouldn’t go away even with Kupp potentially returning, and Atwell will likely be able to keep up with Jones, the Raiders’ top corner, as the game progresses. If he can even win twice in the field and pick up a few big wins, it could make the difference between winning and losing for the Rams.

Williams had a snap count in his first game back against the Packers in Week 5, but now that he’s two weeks removed from that game, he should see a heavier workload. He’s the team’s best cover corner and Meyers is the Raiders’ best pure receiver, making this a good match between two underrated players.

The Rams are the more talented team, but they can’t afford to let the Raiders easily score points with big plays down the field. We know Las Vegas will have trouble passing the ball, so it’s up to Williams and the other corners to prevent game-winning passes through the air.