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Sarah Barshop, ESPN writer
LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Rams will rest several offensive starters Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks after clinching the NFC West, coach Sean McVay said Friday.
Along with quarterback Matthew Stafford, the Rams will rest receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, running back Kyren Williams, left tackle Alaric Jackson and right guard Kevin Dotson. Jonah Jackson will start at right guard and Joe Noteboom will start at left tackle in the season finale.
Although the Rams clinched the division in Week 17, they are still playing for the playoff spot. Los Angeles would finish third with a win or draw against Seattle or a loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A Rams loss and a Buccaneers win would give the Rams fourth place.
Unlike the preseason, due to roster limitations, the Rams cannot rest all of their starters. McVay said that because his defense is so young, key players will be on the field, but “maybe not the amount of work that you’re used to with some of the core cast and crew.”
Last season, the Rams opted to rest several starters in Week 18 after already clinching a playoff berth, including Stafford, Kupp, Williams, defensive tackle Aaron Donald and linebacker Ernest Jones.
The Rams have won nine of their last 11 games after a 1-4 start to the season to make the playoffs.
