The Los Angeles Rams are heading east across the desert this weekend, taking the familiar Interstate 15 North for a Sunday matinee matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. After dropping two consecutive games at home, the Rams are looking to turn things around when they face a Raiders team also dealing with a string of losses. Kickoff is set for 1:25 p.m. PDT on Sunday, October 25, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
The Rams currently hold a 2-4 record, still smarting from a pair of tough losses at home. They fell 18-16 to the Arizona Cardinals and 37-34 in a high-scoring contest against the Buffalo Bills. This road trip offers a chance for relief from their recent home woes and an opportunity to snap their current losing streak.
Meanwhile, the 3-3 Las Vegas Raiders started their season strong with three straight wins but have since found themselves on a three-week skid. Their recent defeats include a 33-30 loss to the Bills, a significant 45-17 rout by the New England Patriots, and a 30-27 finish against the Kansas City Chiefs. Like the Rams, the Raiders will be eager to get back on track and end their own streak of bad luck.
For both franchises, this game carries more weight than a typical October matchup. With both teams looking to avoid another loss, the outcome could put either at a significant “crossroad” for the season. Both veteran quarterbacks, Matthew Stafford for the Rams and Kirk Cousins for the Raiders, have reportedly had “good statistical starts” to the season. However, with heir-apparent quarterbacks Ty Simpson in Los Angeles and Fernando Mendoza in Las Vegas waiting in the wings, negative circumstances after this Sunday's game could prompt discussions about a changing of the guard, as the source material suggests there might not be enough “hot seats” to go around.
Despite having historically “shared a coast, and even a metropolitan area,” the Rams and Raiders don't have an extensive head-to-head history. The series between the two teams began in 1972 and currently stands perfectly even at 8-8. Under Head Coach Sean McVay, who took over the Rams in 2017, the team has maintained an undefeated 3-0 record against the Raiders.
For Southern California residents looking to follow the game, local radio coverage will be available on ESPN LA 710 AM and 93.1 Jack FM, which will carry a simulcast. Spanish language radio coverage can be found on La Primera Radio 1330 AM. For those interested in streaming, Rams fans generally have several options throughout the season, including NFL+, NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube, Peacock, and Paramount+, among “many others.” It's noted, however, that the availability of these platforms for specific games, especially in future seasons or for preseason versus regular season, is not always certain.
