The Los Angeles Rams give key offensive starters a break against the Seahawks

The Los Angeles Rams give key offensive starters a break against the Seahawks

LOS ANGELES (AP) — 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 wide 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 at left tackle in the season finale.

Even though the Rams won the division in Week 17, they are still playing for a playoff spot. Los Angeles would finish at No. 3 with a win or draw against Seattle or a loss against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A Rams loss and a Buccaneers win would give the Rams the No. 4 seed.

Unlike last season, the Rams cannot give every starter a break due to roster limitations. McVay said the young defense means there will be key players on the field, but “maybe not the workload that you’re used to with some of the key players and the team.”

Last season, the Rams decided to rest several starters in Week 18 after clinching a playoff spot, 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 advance to the playoffs.

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