This week’s “Thursday Night Football” is poised to have significant playoff implications, potentially determining a spot in the NFC playoffs between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams. Both teams are currently holding a 7-7 record and are in dire need of victories as the season nears its conclusion. The Saints have a chance to contend for the NFC South title or secure a wildcard spot, while the Rams are eyeing a wildcard berth due to their trailing position in the NFC West.
Though the quarterbacks – Derek Carr for the Saints and Matthew Stafford for the Rams – have been performing at a high level, the running backs are anticipated to play pivotal roles for different reasons in this crucial matchup.
Despite the Saints’ recent inability to surpass the 100-yard rushing mark in their last two wins, they maintain an average of 126 rushing yards per game. Alvin Kamara, their versatile running back, is a dual-threat player contributing nearly 100 yards of offense himself. In the previous week against the New York Giants, Kamara amassed 110 yards without scoring, adding to his impressive stats of 164 total yards and three rushing touchdowns in the preceding two games.
On the other hand, the Rams boast a top-11 ranking in rushing yards and touchdowns, and their running back, Kyren Williams, has been in excellent form since his return from an early season injury in Week 11. Williams has showcased outstanding performances, exceeding 114 rushing yards in three of the team’s last four games. His cumulative stats include 497 yards and two touchdowns on 89 carries, along with 17 receptions for 87 yards and two touchdowns during that period.
Defensively, both teams hold middle-of-the-pack rankings in run defense. The Saints have allowed the 25th-most rushing yards this season but have limited opponents to just nine rushing touchdowns, ranking eighth in the league. Meanwhile, the Rams have conceded the 14th-most rushing yards and rushing touchdowns.
Given the middling defensive rankings against the run, if either team faces challenges in their passing game, focusing on the ground game could be a strategic move in this pivotal matchup.
For those looking to catch the game, here’s the broadcast information and start time:
‘Thursday Night Football’ Broadcast Information:
- Live Stream (United States): Amazon Prime Video
- Broadcast Team: Al Michaels (play-by-play), Kirk Herbstreit (analyst), Kaylee Hartung (sideline reporter)
Time and Date of the Game:
- Date: Thursday, December 21
- Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
- Location: SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles
Viewers in Canada can tune in to watch Saints vs. Rams on DAZN
New Orleans Saints schedule 2023
| Week | Date | Opponent/Result | Kickoff time (ET) | TV channel |
| 1 | Sept. 10 | Saints 16, Titans 15 | — | — |
| 2 | Sept. 18 | Saints 20, Panthers 17 | — | — |
| 3 | Sept. 24 | Packers 18, Saints 17 | — | — |
| 4 | Oct. 1 | Buccaneers 26, Saints 9 | — | — |
| 5 | Oct. 8 | Saints 34, Patriots 0 | — | — |
| 6 | Oct. 15 | Texans 20, Saints 13 | — | — |
| 7 | Oct. 19 | Jaguars 31, Saints 24 | — | — |
| 8 | Oct. 29 | Saints 38, Colts 27 | — | — |
| 9 | Nov. 5 | Saints 24, Bears 17 | — | — |
| 10 | Nov. 12 | Vikings 27, Saints 19 | — | — |
| 11 | BYE | |||
| 12 | Nov. 26 | Falcons 24, Saints 15 | — | — |
| 13 | Dec. 3 | Lions 33, Saints 28 | — | — |
| 14 | Dec. 10 | Saints 28, Panthers 6 | — | — |
| 15 | Dec. 17 | Saints 24, Giants 6 | — | — |
| 16 | Dec. 21 | at Rams | 8:15 p.m. | Prime Video |
| 17 | Dec. 31 | at Buccaneers | 1:00 p.m. | FOX |
| 18 | Jan. 7 | vs. Falcons | TBD | TBD |
Los Angeles Rams schedule 2023
| Week | Date | Opponent/Result | Kickoff time (ET) | TV channel |
| 1 | Sept. 10 | Rams 30, Seahawks 13 | — | — |
| 2 | Sept. 17 | 49ers 30, Rams 23 | — | — |
| 3 | Sept. 25 | Bengals 19, Rams 16 | — | — |
| 4 | Oct. 1 | Rams 29, Colts 23 OT | — | — |
| 5 | Oct. 8 | Eagles 23, Rams 14 | — | — |
| 6 | Oct. 15 | Rams 26, Cardinals 9 | — | — |
| 7 | Oct. 22 | Rams 24, Steelers 17 | — | — |
| 8 | Oct. 29 | Cowboys 43, Rams 20 | — | — |
| 9 | Nov. 5 | Packers 20, Rams 3 | — | — |
| 10 | BYE | — | — | — |
| 11 | Nov. 19 | Seahawks 17, Rams 16 | — | — |
| 12 | Nov. 26 | Rams 37, Cardinals 14 | — | — |
| 13 | Dec. 3 | Rams 36, Browns 19 | — | — |
| 14 | Dec. 10 | Ravens 37, Rams 31 OT | — | — |
| 15 | Dec. 17 | Rams 28, Commanders 20 | — | — |
| 16 | Dec. 21 | vs. Saints | 8:15 p.m. | Prime Video |
| 17 | Dec. 31 | at Giants | 1 p.m. | FOX |
| 18 | Jan. 7 | at 49ers | TBD | TBD |