1) Limit the impact of Alvin Kamara
The Saints running back still remains a focal point of their offense as both a runner and a target in the passing game with a team-high 510 yards from scrimmage. If he ends up playing – he’s listed as questionable on Friday’s injury report with an ankle injury – limiting his effectiveness will be critical.
2) Make quarterback Tyler Shough uncomfortable
Shough will make his first career start this Sunday for a Saints team that’s allowing the ninth-highest pressure rate in the NFL entering Week 9 at 38.1%, per Next Gen Stats. It’s on the Rams’ defensive front – which has contributed a 38.4% pressure rate, tied for fifth-highest in the league – to capitalize.
3) Make sound decisions against the Saints defense
The Saints’ Brandon Staley-led defense is tied with the Rams, Browns and Steelers for the eighth-most takeaways created, so avoiding turnovers against a scheme and defensive coordinator who know this offense very well will be important on Sunday.