Go beyond the scoreboard
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After defeating the Minnesota Vikings on Oct. 24, the Rams were energized heading into their NFC West matchup against the Seattle Seahawks.
The return of Rams receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua against the Vikings sparked the entire team and fueled confidence that the Rams can win the division.
That excitement was muted somewhat Thursday after Nacua left practice because of an issue with his right knee, the same one he sprained during a joint practice with the Chargers and aggravated in the season opener against the Detroit Lions. He also missed practice Friday and is listed as questionable to play Sunday.
Nacua was sidelined for five games before returning to catch seven passes for 106 yards against the Vikings.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford passed for four touchdowns against the Vikings, two to receiver Demarcus Robinson.
Because of contract issues, the Rams traded highly productive linebacker Ernest Jones IV. Another trade later, the new Seahawk takes aim at his old team.
The defense also has emerged as a point-producing force. In the last three games, the Rams returned an interception for a touchdown, returned a fumble for an interception and sacked the quarterback for a safety. Rookie edge rusher Jared Verse had 1½ sacks against the Vikings.
The Seahawks (4-4) started the season 3-0 under first-year coach Mike Macdonald, but they lost their next three games. They are coming off a 31-10 rout by the Buffalo Bills.
Quarterback Geno Smith has passed for eight touchdowns, with seven interceptions. Star receiver DK Metcalf, who could not play last week, did not practice Wednesday or Thursday because of a knee injury.
The Seahawks defense is now led by former Rams linebacker Ernest Jones IV. Before the season, the Rams traded Jones to the Tennessee Titans. The Titans dealt Jones to the Seahawks on Oct. 24, and he made 15 tackles last Sunday in his Seahawks debut.
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Key injuries
Rams: P Ethan Evans (illness, out); WR Puka Nacua (knee, questionable); WR Jordan Whittington (shoulder, questionable); S Kam Curl (knee, questionable); DB Charles Woods (toe, questionable); OL Joe Noteboom (ankle, out); DL Neville Gallimore (shoulder, out).
Seahawks: WR DK Metcalf (knee, out); TE Noah Fant (groin, out); NT Cameron Young (knee, out); T Abraham Lucas (knee, out); linebacker Ernest Jones IV (neck, questionable).
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How to watch and listen to Rams vs. Seahawks
The Rams and Seahawks will play at 1:25 p.m. PST on Sunday at Lumen Field in Seattle. The game will air on Fox in Southern California and will be available nationally on YouTube TV with a subscription to NFL Sunday Ticket. In Southern California, fans can listen to the game on the radio at 710 AM or 93.1 FM.
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Betting lines for Rams vs. Seahawks
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Who will win Rams vs. Seahawks?
Gary Klein’s pick: Nacua’s availability is key, but Kupp’s presence in the lineup gives Stafford, coach Sean McVay and offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur plenty to work with. And the young defensive front is coming into its own. Rams 27, Seahawks 23
Sam Farmer’s pick: The Rams were reborn on offense with the return of Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, now questionable to play. Still, they usually play well at Seattle. The availability of DK Metcalf is a big factor in this matchup. Rams 27, Seahawks 24
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