Preseason Week 2: Rams' Backup QB Battle Heats Up Against Saints
The New Orleans Saints travel to face the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday, August 22. Rookie Ty Simpson's two-touchdown, 21-of-25 debut in Week 1 has put real pressure on Stetson Bennett IV in the race for the Rams' backup quarterback job, with coach Sean McVay saying this week's practices, including the joint session with New Orleans, will factor into the decision. The Saints enter at 0-1 after a 24-20 loss to Jacksonville, with Tyler Shough remaining atop their quarterback depth chart.
Simpson's momentum keeps building
A standout Week 1 performance has turned the Rams' backup competition into a genuine storyline, and another strong showing would only add to it.
Saints looking to bounce back
New Orleans dropped its opener despite a strong showing from Zach Wilson, and the team will look for a more complete performance across the roster this time.
Rams enter with early-season confidence
Los Angeles is 1-0 after its Week 1 win over Kansas City, giving the roster some momentum heading into this matchup.
AI Prediction
Saints 
Rams Simpson's hot start is the headline factor
A rookie playing with this much confidence and production tends to keep producing, giving the Rams a real edge at the position.
Los Angeles enters with more momentum
A 1-0 start following a win over Kansas City gives the Rams a slight psychological and roster-continuity edge over a Saints team coming off a loss.
New Orleans still has real talent to counter with
Wilson's strong Week 1 showing means the Saints aren't without their own capable backup option, keeping this from a lopsided projection.
This is a preseason exhibition. Ty Simpson's rookie performance is the driving factor behind this projection, though preseason variance keeps the margin uncertain.
Rams Leaders
Saints Leaders
Team Stats
| Saints | Stat | Rams |
|---|---|---|
| 20.0 | Points Per Game | 20.0 |
| 312.0 | Total Yards | 321.0 |
| 256.0 | Yards Passing | 228.0 |
| 56.0 | Yards Rushing | 93.0 |
| 24.0 | Points Allowed Per Game | 12.0 |
| 299.0 | Yards Allowed | 327.0 |
| 181.0 | Pass Yards Allowed | 202.0 |
| 118.0 | Rush Yards Allowed | 125.0 |
Venue
Closing Line
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