5 Questions the Rams Defense Must Answer Against Houston

Rams' defense, rebounding under Chris Shula, finished 2024 as a dominant unit with rising stars Jared Verse, Nate Landman, Emmanuel Forbes and Poona Ford. For bettors, defensive props look appealing — consider player sack lines (Verse), Rams team sacks/points allowed markets, and futures like Rams to win the NFC West or to outperform run-heavy opponents.

Rams' Defense Returns as a Dominant Force Under Chris Shula

Los Angeles closed the 2024 season with one of the NFL's best defenses, a marked turnaround after a rocky start under coordinator Chris Shula. Youth and physicality now define the unit, which played with discipline and punished opponents en route to a division crown. Shula's adjustments and a clearer identity have the Rams projecting as a top defensive roster heading into year two.

Five Key Questions Facing the Rams' Defense

Can Jared Verse Make the Next Leap?

Verse has generated genuine offseason buzz after strong joint-practice reps against the Cowboys and Saints. His blend of speed and power makes him a real threat off the edge, but consistency in-game is the next hurdle. Expect coaches and scouts to monitor his sack rate and snap-to-pressure conversion early — metrics that will define whether he becomes a true pass-rush centerpiece.

Will the Defensive Secondary Hold Up?

The Rams elected to trust their current secondary rather than pursue major additions. That continuity has benefits: communication, scheme familiarity and complementary coverage for the pass rush. The unit's ability to limit big plays and stay healthy will be critical, especially against division foes who test coverage with varied route combinations.

Is Nate Landman the Signal-Calling Backbone?

Landman has emerged as a captain and the defense’s on-field communicator. His tackling range and instincts have stood out in practice, and coaches rely on him to keep the front seven aligned. Translating camp dominance into game-day production — run-stop rates, tackle-for-loss numbers and missed-tackle reduction — will determine whether he remains a top-tier defensive leader.

Will Emmanuel Forbes Re-Write His Narrative?

Forbes has flashed shutdown ability in camp, at times shadowing top receivers and holding his own against premier targets. Inconsistency has been a concern in the past; the question is whether Forbes can deliver sustained performance in high-leverage moments. Matchups against elite WRs this season will reveal if he’s a true lockdown corner or still a work in progress.

Can Poona Ford Anchor the Line Against the Run?

Ford brings interior toughness and a reputation for controlling gaps. The worry is durability late in games when opposing teams lean on a run-first approach. If Ford can consistently demand double teams and influence third-down situations, the Rams will be better equipped to close out tight contests.

Betting Angles and What Punters Should Watch

The defensive resurgence creates clear wagering opportunities. Consider under/over markets on Rams points allowed and team sacks, and monitor individual props: Verse’s sack totals and Landman’s tackle-related props could present value if early-season usage favors them. Against run-heavy opponents, Rams run-defence lines and fourth-quarter spreads may be favorable. As always, track matchup data, injury reports and snap counts before placing bets.

Conclusion: A Defense Poised to Define the Rams' Ceiling

Under Chris Shula, the Rams defense transitioned from uneven to imposing, thanks to emerging playmakers and improved coherence. The unit’s ability to sustain pressure, limit big plays and close out games will decide whether Los Angeles repeats as a divisional power and how attractive their defensive betting markets remain.

The Los Angeles Rams' defense wants to pick up the momentum from where they left off last season

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