The Patriots host the Los Angeles Rams in a game that features one of the best coach, quarterback combinations in the NFL in Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford. The defense will have their hands full and so will with the offense with the Rams front seven.

Match-ups determine games. It is the game within the game. The Patriots are going to have to win their individual match-ups if they want to win this game today.

Here are the top five match-ups to watch.  

Patriots edge rushers vs. Rams offensive tackles: The Patriots edge rushers had a field day last week against a depleted Bears offensive line and could once again have a big day today against a Rams offensive line that will be without starting offensive tackles Joe Noteboom and Rob Havenstein. If the Patriots can get half of the production they got last week from their pas rush, they will have another big day defensively. 

Jonah Jackson vs. Christian Barmore: Barmore is back but we do not know how much he will play in this game. My guess is 20-25 snaps, but it could be more. He will be matched up against one of the bigger centers in the league in Jackson. A player  who has the size to hold up against Barmore physically but may struggle with his speed. It will be interesting to see how Barmore is deployed. His return is massive for a defense that is starting to play better. 

Cooper Kupp vs. Christian Gonzalez: Kupp is one of the best route runners in the NFL. He can separate at the top of routes and is tough to tackle after the catch. Gonzalez has played at a high level all season long. He has rose to the occasion when it comes to being a match-up corner. He faces a stiff challenge today and will need to be fundamentally sound if he wants to keep Kupp in check. 

Puka Nacua vs. Marcus Jones: Marcus and Jonathan Jones will be matched up on Nacua at various points. Nacua is a crafty route runner who knows how to get open and he uses his size after the catch to break tackles. Marcus and Jonathan will need to prepare for a physical game where fundamentals will be key. 

Sean McVay vs. DeMarcus Covington: Covington called a heck of a game last week in the 19-3 win over the Bears. The Rams are better at quarterback and better coached offensively so it won’t be nearly as easy this week. Big thing for the Patriots defense today will be adjusting to all the shifting and motion. The Rams create a lot of problems with it. The Patriots cannot get outflanked.