The Rams and the Steelers will face off in Pittsburgh looking to continue momentum built from last month.
Los Angeles is riding a two-game win streak into this contest, while Pittsburgh's has reached three in a row.
In advance of the game, here's an early look at the Steelers, including notable additions, their top statistical performers so far, where they rank in certain statistical categories and key storylines.
Notable additions
- Drafted LB Devin Bush in the first round of this year's draft. The No. 10 overall pick leads the Steelers with 66 total tackles and has appeared in all eight of their games, starting in seven of them.
- Signed LB Mark Barron to a two-year deal in March. A familiar name to Rams fans, the former L.A. linebacker joined Pittsburgh and effectively took over the left inside linebacker spot for Jon Bostic, who was released in April after starting there last year.
Top performers in Week 9
QB Mason Rudolph completed 26 of 35 pass attempts for 191 yards with one touchdown and one interception in a 26-24 win over the Colts.
Running backs did most of the damage on the ground and through the air. Trey Edmonds led the Steelers with 12 carries for 73 yards, while Jaylen Samuels had 13 receptions for 73 yards.
Defensively, LB Terrell Edmunds posted a team-high eight tackles, while safety Minkah Fitzpatrick had an interception which he returned 96 yards.
On special teams, kicker Chris Boswell converted all four of his field goal attempts as well as both extra point attempts.
Rankings
Offense
- Points Per Game: 18th (22.0)
- Yards Per Game: 28th (290.8)
- Passing Yards Per Game: 27th (202.4)
- Rushing Yards Per Game: 26th (88.4)
Defense
- Points Allowed Per Game: 13th (21.1)
- Yards Allowed Per Game: 11th (335.5)
- Passing Yards Allowed Per Game: 10th (228.0)
- Rushing Yards Allowed Per Game: 16th (107.5)
Early storylines to watch, and what they mean for the Rams
The statistical rankings paint a pretty good picture of why the Steelers are 4-4.
They've had their challenges offensively, but their defense has kept them competitive and in position to move above .500 for the first time this season.
Of importance for the Rams is the 22 takeaways by the Steelers' defense, good for second-most in the league behind the Patriots' 27. With just 11 giveaways, Pittsburgh also has the second-best turnover margin (+11) of any NFL team, also behind New England's +17.
For Los Angeles, this places a premium of not only limiting their own turnovers on offense, but also capitalizing on Pittsburgh's.
