NFC Game Of The Week
Los Angeles Rams at Minnesota Vikings
Rams: I remember the state of the Los Angeles Rams around this time in 2016. Jeff Fisher was still the team’s head coach and they looked completely out of sync. Let’s also mention that they were sitting in last place in the NFC West. A year later, they are in control of the NFC West and have been one of the league’s most improved teams this year. Here they are at 7-2 with the best offense in the NFL and after ten weeks of football, who would’ve imagined that the Rams would be in this position with an offense that averages 32 points a game and this amount of wins. The Rams took a chance by hiring Sean McVay, a 31-year-old offensive coordinator with the Washington Redskins as their new head coach. He’s done a fantastic job with the team and the players are playing with more confidence this season through nine games than they did during the tenure of Jeff Fisher. McVay has bought out the best in Jared Goff and he’s finally getting the chance to show why he was selected first overall in the 2016 NFL Draft. Todd Gurley has put together a nice season and has become a top three running back in the league. They also have some really nice weapons for Goff. Sammy Watkins was acquired from Buffalo, there’s Robert Woods and Tavon Austin as well. When you watch this unit compared to any that Fisher had, they’re definitely more free-flowing. Aaron Donald continues to headline a stout defense and we have to go behind the scenes here. Wade Phillips was hired as the defensive coordinator and he’s working his magic once again. Remember what he did with the Broncos two seasons ago, right? This is the biggest game up to date for the Rams in quite some time.
Vikings: I’ve said it once and I will have no issue saying it again. The Minnesota Vikings are the best team in the NFC North and the minute that Aaron Rodgers was sidelined with his collarbone injury, they immediately became the favorites to win the division. I really like the make-up of this team. They can run the football with Murray and McKinnon and I really like this receiving core of Stefon Diggs (who I raved about after he was drafted), Kyle Rudolph and Adam Thielen who’s become Case Keenum’s go-to guy. With Teddy Bridgewater back on the roster, many would think that he’d be back on the field but Mike Zimmer has decided to keep Case Keenum out there and I actually agree with coach deciding to stick with Keenum because he has them sitting at 7-2 and in first place in the division so you continue to go with the hot hand. This defense is also one to pay attention too and since Zimmer has been their head coach, they’ve been one of the better units in the league. This defense is loaded with talent throughout from the defensive line to the secondary. They have pure athletes up front that can rush the passer in Danielle Hunter, Brian Robison and Everson Griffen who are all capable of dropping into coverage and they have two good safeties in Andrew Sendejo and Harrison Smith who’s the heart and soul of this entire team. This is one of the biggest games in the NFC of the year with the 7-2 Rams coming to town.
Rams Player To Watch: Sammy Watkins– Robert Woods has been the Rams best offensive player behind Todd Gurley this season. Sammy has made his catches, but I look for the Rams to get him the football earlier on and they won’t try to make things too predictable. Take advantage of the zone blitz scheme and hit him early.
Vikings Player To Watch: Linval Joseph– The Vikings have such a dynamic front four and this guy in the middle of it is the reason why. You never see the interior defensive linemen really apply pressure on the quarterback, but he can and he commands the attention that it allows these pass rushers to get after the quarterback.
Final Analysis: This is hands down one of the two best games of the week on the NFL slate this weekend. The Rams are at their best when McVay knows what defensive coverage is on the field. Next, to Seattle, this will be the toughest defense that they have faced all year long. For the Rams to attack this defense, they must keep Jared Goff protected and allow him to stand tall in the pocket. It’s also key for the Rams to make Minnesota operate off-schedule. I’d make Keenum play outside of his comfort zone. The Vikings need to account for Todd Gurley especially in the passing game.
Prediction: Vikings 27 Rams 23
