Why this game matters for the Rams (4-5): They’re not exactly stunned, but they need it to get back on track. They are 1½ games out of first place in the NFC West. Much of that depends on how their division rivals perform this weekend, but another loss could send them into panic mode when it comes to looking for a postseason berth.

Three numbers to keep in mind

None: How many times have the Patriots started the same offensive line in back-to-back games this season? They can break this streak this weekend all five referees who started last week looks ready to start again.

46.9: The Rams’ red zone success rate ranks 30th in the league. (The Patriots aren’t much better at 48.1 percent, which ranks 27th.)

141: The number of yards Rhamondre Stevenson needed to pass LeGarrette Blount places him 10th on the Patriots’ all-time rushing list. Stevenson currently ranks 13th with 2,777 yards.

MayeWatch: Drake Maye is averaging 9.3 yards per rush with 233 yards on 25 attempts. The highest rushing average in a season for an NFL quarterback was Michael Vick’s 8.5 in 2006 (123 attempts for 1,039 yards with Atlanta).

What Vegas says: This one opened with the Rams as 4.5 point favorites in most places. In recent days, this number has increased to 5. New England fans are in for a short week for Los Angeles (which is Lost to Miami on Monday night) can be an equalizer, history is not on your side. Under Sean McVay, the Rams did a good job on short rests. According to The Action Network, McVay is 14-6 against the spread on short rest, has gone five straight and is 10-1 against the spread over the last 11 runs. i McVay with Matthew Stafford leads 6-1 against the spread on short rest.

Weather forecast: The weather in Foxborough is expected to be sunny and clear; high temperatures will be in the 60s and winds will be 5-10 mph

Quote of the Week: “We always say if no one’s open, there’s always one guy who’s open, and that’s the tuba player on the 4th. So I’d like to see him put the ball on the tuba.”

— Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt on Maye’s interception last week against the Bears, a ball Maye should have thrown.

Match of the Week: Christian Gonzalez vs. Cooper Kupp. The Patriots are unlikely to use man-to-man defense throughout, but when they do, Gonzalez will likely do the bulk of the work opposite Kupp (41 catches, 56 targets, 382 yards, best on the roster despite playing just five games).

Either way, Gonzalez continues his rise as one of the league’s best young cornerbacks. Even though Kupp is 31 years old (quite old compared to the league’s best defensemen), he’s still Stafford’s favorite target. Kupp had some health issues this year (ankle), but he did play two games with 11 or more catches.

It’s worth keeping in mind: Stafford has thrown an interception in six straight games, tying the longest streak of his career. This is the second-longest active hitting streak in the NFL, behind Green Bay’s Jordan Love (eight in a row).

Looking ahead: Following this game, the Patriots will face the Dolphins (3-6) in South Florida on November 24 and then host the Colts (4-6) on December 1. From a strength of program perspective, this is an opportunity. There have been some gains as Miami and Indianapolis are currently the last two teams under .500.

Christopher Price can be reached at [email protected]. follow him @cpriceglobe.