Rams vs Ravens prediction and analysis

Game Overview

Sunday’s matchup at M&T Bank Stadium pits the Los Angeles Rams’ high-volume passing attack against a Baltimore defense that, by some metrics this season, has struggled to slow quarterbacks. From a single-game DraftKings Showdown perspective this is a classic shootout/stack environment where the quarterback is the engine for fantasy scoring and touchdown equity will be concentrated through the air.

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Key Context & Recent Form

Matthew Stafford has emerged as the focal point of the Rams’ offense in 2025. In five games he’s totaled 1,503 passing yards and 11 touchdowns, and he’s averaging north of 21 DraftKings points per game—numbers that justify captain consideration in Showdown formats. Stafford’s ability to generate chunk plays and spread targets to elite pass-catchers makes him the easiest route to concentrated fantasy production.

Puka Nacua is Stafford’s primary beneficiary: through five games he’s collected 52 catches on 62 targets for 588 yards and multiple scores. Those target share figures make Nacua a logical flex and a frequent co-captain/stack partner with Stafford in single-game slates.

On the Baltimore side, the slate lists Cooper Rush at quarterback for the Ravens in the DFS pool, and Baltimore’s pass defense has been vulnerable in DraftKings scoring to opposing quarterbacks—ranked near the bottom of the league in fantasy points allowed to QBs. That mismatch is the central reason to favor Rams passing upside on this particular one-game board.

Matchups to Watch

• Stafford vs. Ravens secondary — If the Ravens continue to give up QB fantasy points, Stafford’s high-volume approach and red-zone targets should translate into steady fantasy production.
• Puka Nacua vs. Baltimore slot/CB matchups — Nacua’s target share makes him the highest-floor wide receiver play on the slate; taking him alongside Stafford captures most Rams passing events.
• Ravens pass game — With Rush under center, Baltimore will likely simplify reads and look to Zay Flowers and the run game (Justice Hill) to move the chains. Flowers remains a top receiving option on the slate but his ceiling is tied to how often the Ravens pass against a Rams defense that will try to control tempo.

DFS Strategy

In single-game Showdowns the captain spot is decisive because it multiplies both points and salary. The safest, highest-ceiling captain approach here is direct access to team passing touchdowns and yardage—hence the lean to Matthew Stafford as captain. He offers multilevel scoring pathways: passing yards, passing TDs, and a small rushing floor (and access to Rams TDs via stacks).

Core constructs I prefer:

• Captain: Matthew Stafford — centralizes scoring events and pairs cleanly with Rams pass-catchers.
• Flex targets: Puka Nacua (primary Rams receiver), Zay Flowers (Ravens top receiving target), Cooper Rush (if rostering the Ravens quarterback provides leverage), Justice Hill (cheaper running back with goal-line upside), and Joshua Karty (kicker, if you want to lock in late-game scoring).
• Stacking tip: Stafford + Nacua is the highest-floor Rams combo. Add a Ravens pass-catcher like Flowers as an anti-contrarian hedge in tournament lineups.

In-Game Factors & Coaching

Game script will matter: if the Rams build an early lead, Baltimore may be forced into more passing which helps the Ravens’ passing pieces but also increases turnover and sack risk for Rush. Conversely, if Baltimore can control the line of scrimmage and establish the run with Justice Hill, it could shorten the game and cap overall fantasy ceilings. Coaching tendencies favor aggressive passing from Sean McVay’s offense and conservative, ball-control looks from the Ravens when they have a lead; anticipate a Rams-led pace early.

Prediction Summary

Balancing matchup data, target shares, and the structure of DraftKings single-game scoring, I’m projecting a Rams win. Stafford’s volume advantage and the Ravens’ quarterback/fantasy-allowed profile tilt this single-game slate toward the Rams’ passing game as the highest source of fantasy points.

Final read: Los Angeles controls the scoreboard through the air, while Baltimore struggles to keep opposing quarterbacks in check. Expect a Rams victory with a one-possession to two-possession margin.

Prediction: Los Angeles Rams 27, Baltimore Ravens 20 — Rams by 7.