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The stakes are high in the NFC West as Thursday Night Football rolls into town. The 2-2 Seattle Seahawks host the 3-1 Los Angeles Rams with both teams seeking to chase down runaway division leaders, the 4-0 Arizona Cardinals.
These teams last met in the 2020 postseason, with now departed quarterback Jared Goff leading the Rams to a 30-20 triumph at Lumen Field. Rams head coach Sean McVay and new QB Matthew Stafford will be seeking to pile more misery on Pete Carroll and Russell Wilson on Thursday Night Football.
The only game played in front of the 12s since that wildcard loss was Seattle's 33-30 reverse against the Tennessee Titans in Week 2, meaning the Seahawks are facing a third straight home loss for the first time in the past 13 seasons.
A clutch of playmakers will decide who walks out of the Week 5 clash with the edge in the playoff race. Read on as we review the top five game-changers on Thursday Night Football.
5 key players to watch in Thursday Night Football
#1 – Matthew Stafford, quarterback, Los Angeles Rams
Stafford was contained by the Arizona Cardinals defense in Week 4 but, if the former Detroit Lions passer can bounce back, this would arguably the biggest win of his career. Stafford needs to prove he is an upgrade on Goff and show he can shine in the spotlight and take the Rams to the next level.
#2 – Russell Wilson, quarterback, Seattle Seahawks
Wilson is 4-0 on Thursday Night Football under the lights of Lumen Field and the Seahawks signal-caller is quietly having an outstanding start to the 2021 season, leading the league in yards per attempt (9.6) and average passer rating (129.9). Seattle cannot afford to fall to 2-3. For them to stay in the NFC West title race, we need to see vintage Wilson on Thursday Night Football.
#3 – Robert Woods, wide receiver, Los Angeles Rams
Cooper Kupp has struck up instant rapport with Stafford, hauling in 30 catches through four games, while Robert Woods – who was the Rams' most targeted receiver in 2020 – has only 15. Following last week's loss to the Cardinals, McVay vowed the get the ball to Woods' more often. As NFL defenses adjust to bottle up Kupp, we could see a breakout game by Woods on Thursday Night Football.
#4 – DK Metcalf, wide reciever, Seattle Seahawks
DK Metcalf is one of the most difficult wideouts to cover in the NFL. The big-bodied receiver uses his 6'4" frame to dominate contested catch situations, but the one cornerback Metcalf has struggled against is Jalen Ramsey. This will be the most exciting contest to watch on Thursday Night Football. Will Ramsey lock it down again, or can Metcalf finally find a way to escape the All-Pro corner?
#5 – Aaron Donald, defensive tackle, Los Angeles Rams
Aaron Donald has his way with most offensive lines in the NFL. But only one OL group is yet to receive a holding flag during the 2021 season: the Seahawks. Donald and the Rams defensive front will be the biggest test yet for Wilson's protection. If the Seattle linemen can buy Wilson time, that could prove decisive as the Seahawks search for a vital win on Thursday Night Football.
