Las Vegas Raiders vs. Los Angeles Rams TNF preview, prediction, pick, odds: Can Baker Mayfield help the Rams?

Carr and Adams showed just how much they are on the same page now with a pair of long TD passes that were key against the Chargers. The first was a 31-yard strike to give the Raiders a 17-13 lead early in the second half, before a 45-yard flea-flicker later in the third quarter for a 24-13 advantage.

Carr is 20 passing yards away from reaching 3,000 for the ninth time in nine seasons. Only Peyton Manning and Russell Wilson have accomplished that feat. Adams is 36 receptions away from becoming the first player in NFL history with 115 receptions in three consecutive seasons.

“We’re definitely playing a better brand of football right now,” Adams said. “(It’s) complementary. When the offense isn’t doing great, the defense goes out there to do their job and they hold teams to no scoring or stopping (opponents) in critical moments.”

The last time the Rams (3-9) played complementary football was in the Super Bowl in February. Chances of a repeat title were doomed early, first by poor play, then by injuries that have devastated the roster.

Initially, it was the Los Angeles offensive line that was banged up. Now the Rams are without the top three players that led last year’s title charge: quarterback Matthew Stafford (neck), wide receiver Cooper Kupp (ankle) and defensive tackle Aaron Donald (ankle). None of the three are expected to play Thursday.

That led to Mayfield being claimed Thursday. The 27-year-old started six of the seven games he played in for Carolina after a trade last July, completing 57.8 percent of his passes for 1,313 yards and six touchdowns against six interceptions. The No. 1 overall selection in the 2018 draft by the Cleveland Browns is 30-35 as a starting QB.

The Rams are on a six-game losing streak and their last victory was so long ago, Christian McCaffrey was still a member of the Panthers when Los Angeles defeated Carolina in October.

“I’ve heard it said before, ‘Calm seas don’t make good sailors,'” Rams head coach Sean McVay said, trying to be as optimistic as possible moving forward. “And know this: We’re growing. I’m not going to allow this to be anything but a growth opportunity. You’re going to continue to see us compete to the best of our ability, regardless of the circumstances.”