The Rams built a 28-3 halftime lead last week in Las Vegas, then watched it shrink to 28-18 before finishing the job. That late answer, a fourth-quarter touchdown run by Blake Corum, showed the kind of calm Los Angeles will need Sunday at SoFi Stadium. The Rams, 3-4, share their home field with the Chargers, but this Week 8 meeting has very different paths at stake. The Rams are trying to climb back into the playoff chase. The Chargers, 0-6, are chasing the first win that can change a season’s mood.

Matthew Stafford is the center of the Rams’ charge. The veteran quarterback has thrown 14 touchdown passes, using quick reads and sharp throws to keep the offense moving. His main target has been Puka Nacua, who has caught 45 passes in only five games. Nacua can turn short catches into longer gains with strong runs after the catch, and he also lines up as a runner at times. With Davante Adams on injured reserve, Nacua becomes an even bigger part of the Rams’ attack.

The Rams can also change the pace with Kyren Williams. Williams has rushed for 492 yards and five touchdowns, showing patience behind his blockers before driving through tacklers. He caught a touchdown pass last week, too, which makes him hard to track. Los Angeles averages nearly 400 yards per game, and its balanced attack can force a defense to cover every part of the field. Still, Stafford has thrown seven interceptions, so the Rams must protect the ball when drives become tight.

That is where the Chargers have to create their opening. Justin Herbert has a powerful arm and has used his legs for 168 rushing yards, but the offense has reached only 15 points per game. In Kansas City, the Chargers moved close to the goal line three times but did not score a touchdown. Finishing drives is now their biggest challenge.

Omarion Hampton can help solve it. The young runner brings force to the middle of the field and has scored three rushing touchdowns. Herbert also needs Ladd McConkey’s quick route-running and Quentin Johnston’s speed downfield to stretch the Rams. McConkey is questionable with a concussion but practiced fully Wednesday, making his status important. The Chargers’ offensive line is missing several injured starters, including Rashawn Slater and Tyler Biadasz, so Herbert may need to get the ball out quickly.

The Rams defense gives up only 302 yards per game, a sign that it usually keeps opponents from building long drives. Yet Los Angeles is missing key front players, including Myles Garrett, Kobie Turner and Poona Ford. The Chargers must use that chance to let Hampton run and keep the Rams from rushing after Herbert.

The Chargers are also likely without safety Derwin James Jr., which makes containing Stafford and Nacua even tougher. The Rams have more ways to score, are coming off a strong win, and know how important a fast start can be. Prediction: The Rams will win this SoFi Stadium showdown.

At SoFi, the Rams Chase Another Strong Finish