When: 1:25 p.m. Sunday
Where: SoFi Stadium
TV/Radio: FOX (Ch. 11)(/710 AM; 93.1 FM; 1330 AM (Spanish); Sirius 227, 382
Line: Seahawks by 5.5
Seahawks: OUT: OT Abraham Lucas (abdomen/knee), CB Josh Jobe (knee); QUESTIONABLE: DT Byron Murphy II (back).
Rams: OUT: RT Rob Havenstein (shoulder); DOUBTFUL: QB Matthew Stafford (rest), WR Puka Nacua (rest), WR Cooper Kupp (rest), RB Kyren Williams (rest), LT Alaric Jackson (rest), RG Kevin Dotson (rest).
What’s at stake? Technically, the third seed in the NFC playoffs for the Rams. But they have already signaled their indifference to that by resting half their starting offense. So contract bonuses and good game film will be the major stakes this weekend.
Who’s better? Typically, it would be the Rams. But, again, the Rams aren’t playing their offensive starters and will likely play their defensive starters fewer snaps than usual in an effort to rest ahead of the postseason. So edge goes to a Seattle team that is bringing its full allotment of players to Inglewood.
Matchup to watch: Rams CB Ahkello Witherspoon vs. Seahawks WR D.K. Metcalf. These two have had a rivalry dating to Witherspoon’s time with the 49ers. When they faced off against each other last season, there were some extracurricular activities between the two. So watch out when Witherspoon and Metcalf line up across from each other Sunday, and keep watching after the whistle is blown, too.
Rams win if: QB Jimmy Garoppolo plays a clean game, completing 60% of his passes without an interception. … They hold RB Kenneth Walker IV below 80 yards rushing. … They record at least four sacks and create at least one turnover.
Fantasy sleeper: WR Jordan Whittington. The rookie was productive when Kupp and Nacua were injured early in the season, making 18 catches for 201 yards in Weeks 2-5. He’s only recorded one catch since then, but with Nacua and Kupp resting, he could have a bounce-back game.
Prediction: Seahawks 27, Rams 20. Beat reporter’s record: 12-4 for the season; 10-6 against the spread.
