The Los Angeles Rams face a must-win game in Week 13 when they visit the New Orleans Saints. At 4-7, the Saints aren't exactly the best opponents, but they're 2-0 since the firing of Dennis Allen and the offense is back on track under the leadership of Derek Carr.
It will be a tough matchup for the Rams, especially since it is an away game in the always loud Superdome in New Orleans. Additionally, the Rams face a huge disadvantage from a rest standpoint.
The Saints are coming off a bye in Week 12 and their last game was on November 17th against the Browns – a 35-14 home win. The Rams, on the other hand, didn't play until Sunday night, so the Saints will have a whole extra week of rest to prepare for this game against Los Angeles.
It's not like the Saints flew all over the country either. The last time they were on the road was November 3rd when they faced the Panthers in Charlotte. So they've been home in New Orleans for the last three weeks, which only adds to New Orleans' remaining advantage.
The Rams, meanwhile, had a tough travel schedule. They faced the Dolphins at home on Monday night in Week 10, flew to New England the following Sunday for a 1 p.m. ET kickoff, and then faced an Eagles team that had played on Thursday night the week before.
That's three games in a row in which the Rams have a residual disadvantage over their opponent: one day less against the Patriots, three days less against the Eagles and now a full week against the Saints.
It's not a short week for the Rams, but it's a game where they have less time to prepare for their opponent. Sean McVay is one of the best coaches in the game when it comes to getting his team ready, so the Rams should do just fine on Sunday when they visit the Saints.