This week, Four Downs takes a inside look ahead at four of the matchups in Week 17 and what could be key factors.

The Rams defense has taken on the personality of head coach Steve Spagnuolo and has finally turned the corner. They’re not star-studded, but they’ve made the leap.

The Rams agreed to terms with veteran DT Fred Robbins on a three-year contract that could be worth a maximum of $12 million, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

Ravens QB Troy Smith is willing to do anything to play with the Browns, according to the Canton Repository.

Veteran DT Fred Robbins is on his way to St. Louis for a visit, according to a league source, and is scheduled to stay there into Monday.

The Rams are in deep discussions to potentially sign free-agent DT Fred Robbins, according to a league source.

The Giants have benched a number of defensive starters Sunday’s game against the Cowboys, including DE Osi Umenyiora and DT Fred Robbins.

The Giants placed LB Michael Boley and DTs Fred Robbins and Rocky Bernard on the physically unable to perform list.

New York will list Brandon Jacobs as questionable, but Giants coach Tom Coughlin sounded even more optimistic about the availability of his top running back for Sunday night’s showdown against Carolina.