It hasn't been pristine, but a two-game winning streak is a two-game winning streak and the New Orleans Saints obviously have no reason or intention to apologize, especially after a few gut-punch losses during their seven-game losing streak.

With the Rams (5-6) set to enter the Caesars Superdome in hopes of ending it there for the Saints (4-7), here are a few ways in which New Orleans can extend its run and, hopefully, inch closer toward the top of the NFC South Division:

1. TAYVIN KAMAHILL

Los Angeles is coming off a game in which it surrendered 314 rushing yards last Sunday to Philadelphia, including 255 and two touchdowns on 26 carries to Saquon Barkley. Obviously, that's an area that the Rams will look to shore up and, obviously, it's an area that New Orleans will look to attack with Taysom Hill and Alvin Kamara. Hill was NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his seven-carry, 138-yard, three-touchdown performance against Cleveland and Kamara (782 rushing yards, six touchdowns) has been the Saints' offensive MVP this season. New Orleans should heavily use the duo against a run defense that allows 144 yards per game and 168.7 yards over the last three.

2. ON THE MATT

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford was sacked five times and hit 11 times by the Eagles in their Sunday night loss. For the season, he's been sacked 26 times. The Saints have six sacks in the last two games, all by defensive linemen and that's optimal because if the line can generate that kind of pressure, the defense may not have to rely on blitzing as much. Stafford has exceptional receivers in Puka Nakua and Cooper Cupp, so if he's hurried by defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (5.5 sacks), defensive end Carl Granderson (4.5) and friends, the Saints can have a successful day on defense. Cornerbacks Alontae Taylor and Kool-Aid McKinstry and nickel corner Ugo Amadi need their "A" games.

3. KEEP CARR WARM

When Saints quarterback Derek Carr says he's on the best streak of his career, he's not exaggerating. In the three games since returning from an oblique injury he has completed 66 percent of his passes for 251 yards per game and five touchdowns, with no interceptions. In the Saints' four wins this year, Carr has completed 75 percent of his passes, with nine touchdowns and one interception. He only has been sacked once in the last two games but that'll be put to the test if center Erik McCoy (groin) is sidelined for this one. But the offensive line should have enough experience together without McCoy to be more than serviceable, and the emergence of receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling as a deep threat (six catches for 201 yards and three touchdowns; averaging 44 yards per catch on touchdowns) should produce more opportunities for others.

4. SUNDAY STUFFING

It's no secret that the Saints haven't been as formidable a run defense this season as in past seasons, allowing 134.2 rushing yards per game. But New Orleans is coming off a performance in which it allowed 66 yards on 20 carries, and the Rams run for just 95 yards per game (90 per game in the last three). Demario Davis is beginning to stack up high-tackle games, and this could be another one of those for the All-Pro linebacker.

5. DEFUSE EXPLOSIVES

Even in the last two games, both victories, the Saints have continued to allow an alarming number of explosive plays on defense – 37- and 24-yard runs to Atlanta, along with a 33-yard pass, and 89- and 30-yard touchdown passes against Cleveland. Forcing opponents consistently to take the long, hard road needs to become more common. It'd make life easier for everyone wearing Black and Gold.

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