Rams vs. Jaguars: London Showdown Preview and Expert Predictions

CLICK HERE TO WATCH LIVE WITH FOOTBALL NATION

The NFL’s international slate heads back to London this Sunday, as the Los Angeles Rams (4-2) face off against the Jacksonville Jaguars (4-2) at Wembley Stadium. Both teams enter Week 7 with matching records and postseason aspirations, but the circumstances surrounding each franchise couldn’t be more different.

Rams Stay Hot, but Face Key Injury Questions

Coming off a convincing 17-3 victory over the Baltimore Ravens, the Rams opted to remain on the East Coast to cut down on travel before heading overseas. It’s a smart move for a team that’s been steadily finding its rhythm — but Los Angeles faces a critical concern heading into Sunday: the health of Puka Nacua.

The breakout wide receiver, who’s become a focal point of Sean McVay’s offense, suffered a sprained ankle last week and is questionable to play. Without him, the Rams’ passing game could look very different. The team will rely heavily on veteran Davante Adams to fill that WR1 role and maintain offensive consistency alongside quarterback Matthew Stafford.

Nacua’s absence has already shown its effects — against Baltimore, the Rams averaged just 4.7 yards per play when he missed snaps. His status could swing both the offensive approach and the game’s betting landscape.

Jaguars Bring Familiarity and Fresh Faces to London

If there’s one NFL team comfortable playing in London, it’s Jacksonville. The Jaguars have long treated the city as a home away from home, and that familiarity might give them an edge. Despite last week’s 20-12 loss to Seattle, the Jags have been steady on both sides of the ball, led by quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who threw for 258 yards and two touchdowns in Week 6.

The Jaguars also made headlines earlier this month, acquiring cornerback Greg Newsome II from Cleveland in exchange for Tyson Campbell. Newsome played limited snaps in his debut but is expected to have a larger role this week. With Liam Coen — a former Rams assistant — now at the helm in Jacksonville, this matchup carries a subtle layer of familiarity and intrigue.

Defensively, Foyesade Oluokun continues to lead the Jaguars with his trademark energy, while Arik Armstead and the defensive front aim to pressure Stafford early and often. However, special teams struggled last week as Cam Little missed both a field goal and an extra point, errors that could prove costly in a game expected to be decided by slim margins.

Betting Odds and Predictions

As of midweek, sportsbooks have the Rams favored by 3 points, with an over/under hovering around 44.5. The moneyline sits around Los Angeles -150 and Jacksonville +136, reflecting confidence in the Rams despite Nacua’s uncertain status.

Expert predictions remain divided:

• Jon Hoefling and Blake Schuster like the Jaguars (+3), citing Nacua’s injury and Jacksonville’s success against the spread this year.

• Jordan Mendoza, Tyler Dragon, and Lorenzo Reyes back the Rams (-3), pointing to their overall roster depth and recent dominance against AFC opponents.

• Christopher Bumbaca leans toward the Jaguars to cover, predicting that turnovers could again fuel Jacksonville’s upset potential.

• 
  

In the betting world, Nick Hennion of BetMGM predicts a low-scoring affair, taking the under 45.5 total points. With both teams fielding middle-tier defenses by DVOA metrics and offensive production likely limited by injuries, that may be the safest call of the weekend.

Matchup Trends and Travel Impact

Los Angeles has won seven straight games against AFC opponents, showcasing their ability to adapt across conferences. But long-distance travel — combined with early kickoff times — can shake even elite teams. Fortunately, McVay’s decision to stay east after the Ravens game helps minimize fatigue, a factor Lorenzo Reyes pointed to as key in his Rams pick.

Jacksonville, meanwhile, has thrived in the London spotlight. Their comfort in these international games and their physical defensive playstyle make them a difficult out, especially against a banged-up Rams offense.

Injury Reports

Rams:

• Puka Nacua (ankle) – Questionable

• Rob Havenstein (ankle) – Questionable

• Tutu Atwell (hamstring) – Questionable

• Colby Parkinson (concussion) – Questionable

• Blake Corum (ankle) – Questionable

  
  

Jaguars:

• Devin Lloyd (calf) – Out

• Yasir Abdullah (hamstring) – Questionable

• Robert Hainsey (hamstring) – Questionable

• Quintin Morris (groin) – Out

• Brenton Strange (quadriceps) – On IR

  
  

Final Outlook

Sunday’s matchup at Wembley Stadium brings together two teams with playoff-caliber potential and distinct identities. The Rams boast experience, efficiency, and one of the NFL’s sharpest coaching minds. The Jaguars counter with youthful energy, defensive takeaways, and comfort on the London stage.

If Nacua suits up, Los Angeles should have enough firepower to edge out a win. If not, the scales may tilt toward Jacksonville’s home-away-from-home advantage.

Either way, expect a hard-fought, methodical game — one where field position, clock control, and mistake-free football determine the winner.

Prediction: Rams 23, Jaguars 20 — but don’t be surprised if it comes down to the final possession.