From CBS Sports · · 3m
Rams vs. Giants: Donald returns for Monday night
Aaron Donald comes back as the Rams look to bounce back from an embarrassing loss to San Francisco.
In brief
Aaron Donald comes back as the Rams look to bounce back from an embarrassing loss to San Francisco. The Rams need Aaron Donald's defensive presence to fix Week 1 problems, but the Giants arrive as the week's biggest surprise after dominating Dallas. Originally reported by CBS Sports.
Rams embarrassed in Australia
Los Angeles fell 27-7 to San Francisco in Week 1, managing just 290 yards of offense and two turnovers. The defense allowed 5.9 yards per play and was repeatedly gashed on the ground.
Giants dominate Cowboys in Week 1
New York controlled the ball for 36 minutes and 40 seconds, running 37 times for 165 yards and a touchdown. Jaxson Dart completed 23 of 29 passes for 230 yards and three scores in John Harbaugh's debut.
Donald returns but Nacua questionable
Aaron Donald is expected to play around 30 snaps after missing Week 1, but the Rams may be without Puka Nacua on Monday night. Myles Garrett remains on injured reserve after knee surgery.
Game details and odds
Rams vs. Giants kicks off Monday, September 21 at 8:15 p.m. ET at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The Rams are favored by 6.5 points with an over-under of 47.5.
Giants' offensive line dominated
New York's offensive line controlled the line of scrimmage against Dallas, with the Giants finishing second in the NFL at a 60.3% offensive success rate. Only San Francisco was better at 62.5%.
Donald expected to make difference
Aaron Donald should challenge the Giants' offensive line trio of Francis Mauigoa, John Michael Schmitz and Jon Runyan Jr. The Rams' defense should have more success than Dallas, which struggled with miscommunication and missed assignments.
Rams' secondary better than Dallas
The Rams' cornerback trio of Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson and Quentin Lake is far more talented than Dallas's group. They'll still have to deal with Malik Nabers, who should increase his snap count in his second game back from a torn ACL.
Isaiah Likely poses middle threat
The biggest issue for the Rams is Isaiah Likely working over the middle against linebackers who struggle in coverage. The Rams' safety room is depleted with Kamren Kinchens out and Kamren Curl dealing with an ankle issue.
Rams' offense struggled in Week 1
Los Angeles finished with just 290 total yards and 5.2 yards per play, compared to last season's averages of 372.7 yards and 6.2 per play. Their 49.1% success rate was only slightly above average.
Giants' defense allowed yards
New York's defense allowed Dallas a 55.8% offensive success rate that ranked fifth-best in the NFL. The Cowboys averaged 1.83 EPA per drive, second in Week 1 behind only the Giants at 2.82.
Stafford faces depleted Giants secondary
Matthew Stafford should have more success without Puka Nacua. The Giants are banged up with Paulson Adebo on injured reserve and Deonte Banks questionable with a calf injury.
Rams may lean on run game
With receiver depth depleted, the Rams might rely more on multi-tight end sets and the run game. Kyren Williams and Blake Corum combined for 95 yards on 21 carries in Week 1.
Prediction: Rams bounce back
The Rams are favored despite Week 1's disaster. If Puka Nacua plays, Los Angeles wins comfortably at 27-17. If he sits out, the Rams win close at 17-16.
At a glance
The Rams need Aaron Donald's defensive presence to fix Week 1 problems, but the Giants arrive as the week's biggest surprise after dominating Dallas.
