Rams-Buccaneers: How they match up

Rams pass offense vs. Buccaneers pass defense: The Rams rank last in the NFL in passing offense, averaging 169.5 yards a game. Quarterback Case Keenum is completing 54% of his passes. Keenum is most efficient when the running game is a threat, allowing him to make play-action throws. Kenny Britt has been Keenum’s favorite target. The veteran has 10 receptions for 161 yards. The Buccaneers got torched at Arizona last week and are giving up 316.5 passing yards a game. The Buccaneers will be without defensive end Robert Ayers, who suffered an ankle injury last week against Arizona.

EDGE: Buccaneers.

Rams run offense vs. Buccaneers run defense: Is this the game running back Todd Gurley breaks out? He is averaging only 2.7 yards per carry. The Rams’ offensive line needs a better push, but it won’t be easy. San Francisco and Seattle both loaded the box to stop Gurley and there’s no reason to think the Buccaneers will do otherwise. Tampa Bay is giving up 78.5 rushing yards per game. Linebacker Kwon Alexander has a team-best 24 tackles for a unit that also includes linebacker Daryl Smith. Linebacker Lavonte David is out because of a shoulder injury.

EDGE: Rams.

Buccaneers pass offense vs. Rams pass defense: Jameis Winston passed for four touchdowns, with an interception, in a season-opening victory over Atlanta, and then had four passes intercepted, and fumbled, against Arizona. Receiver Mike Evans has 11 receptions for 169 yards and two touchdowns. Adam Humphries and Vincent Jackson are other receivers. The Buccaneers on Friday released tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins following an arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence. Troy Hill could start at cornerback opposite Trumaine Johnson and likely will be targeted by Winston.

EDGE: Buccaneers.

Buccaneers run offense vs. Rams run defense: Running back Doug Martin is sidelined because of a hamstring injury last week. Charles Sims and Jacquizz Rodgers will step in and try to run against a Rams defense that has given up 108.5 yards rushing per game. Sims has gained 33 yards in 13 carries this sea- son, Rodgers, 29 yards in two carries. Rams defensive tackles Aaron Donald and Michael Brockers and ends William Hayes and Robert Quinn provide a formidable front for middle linebacker Alec Ogletree, who has a team-best 21 tackles and also forced a fumble.

EDGE: Rams.

Special teams: Rams kicker Greg Zuerlein converted field-goal attempts from 39, 28 and 47 yards, providing all the points in last week’s 9-3 victory over the Seattle Seahawks at the Coliseum. Johnny Hekker has put 10 of his 16 punts inside the 20 and is averaging 41.8 yards per kick. The Buccaneers made news when they selected Florida State kicker Roberto Aguayo with the 59th pick in the draft. Aguayo struggled initially during the exhibition season. He kicked a field goal in the opener against Atlanta but failed to convert his lone attempt last week against Arizona. Punter Bryan Anger averages 48.1 yards per kick.

EDGE: Rams

Gary Klein’s pick: The Rams gained confidence with a defense-driven victory over the Seattle Seahawks, but it might be tough to parlay that into momentum with a cross-country trip to Florida. The Rams also are searching for their first touchdown. The Buccaneers are back at home — where they defeated Atlanta in their opener — after last week’s 40-7 debacle at Arizona. Winston is working well with Evans, and this could be the game that Winston and Jackson start to connect if the Rams are unable to get consistent pressure on the 2013 Heisman Trophy winner.

Buccaneers 24, Rams 20.

gary.klein@latimes.com

Follow Gary Klein on Twitter @latimesklein