NFC Wild Card
(6) Los Angeles Rams at (3) Seattle Seahawks
Rams: For the first time since 2018, they’re back playing postseason football. I’ve had a hard time reading them during the regular season. There were weeks when they looked dominant in each phase of the football game. The offense displayed balance and the defense was punishing. Then, you get performances when they allow the Jets to win their first game of the year or their offense goes cold. Here are the facts when it comes to the Rams. Jared Goff can’t throw the football a certain amount of times for you to win games. When they run the ball, great things happen for them. Balance is key for this offense. All year, I’ve had fun watching this defense. Jalen Ramsey continues to shut down every receiver he lines up against and Aaron Donald, well, he’s Aaron Donald. For the third time this season, they’ll face a division rival.
Seahawks: It’s been two completely different seasons for them. In the beginning, they relied heavily on outscoring their opponents. In their first four or five games, they would need 30 points to survive and it covered up the issues they had on defense. Now, I see a team playing with more control. The Seahawks have gone back to running the football first and foremost. They haven’t needed Russell Wilson to take games over as he was because they know he’s beyond capable of getting hot at any time. What’s been gathering my attention has been their defense and how they’ve been playing. I see a unit with more discipline and most importantly, lane integrity. Sunday against the 49ers was the first time they allowed 20 points since November. They’ve been playing the football they did back during the Legion of Boom days. They will host the Rams on Saturday afternoon.
Rams X-Factor: Cam Akers– Before he got hurt, he was rolling for the Rams offense. This is what makes the Rams who they are! Running the football! I can’t say it enough and I hope Sean sees this. Establish the ground game, then you can push the ball up the field. Ground and pound the football and good things will happen for you.
Seahawks X-Factor: Tyler Lockett– He’s their most important wide receiver. I say that because he does everything and he’s productive regardless of where he is. Whether he’s in the slot or outside, Russell knows he can target Tyler. Even in the red zone, he’s a nice target for his offense. This is Russell’s safety valve.
Final Thoughts: They met in week 16 and I stated this was Seattle’s best win of the season. The offense did just enough and the defense was outstanding holding the Rams offense to nine points (three field goals). If I’m the Rams, I’m attacking the Seahawks defense with crossing routes over the middle of the field. They struggle to defend that. For Seattle, it comes down to a balanced offensive attack. They will need more from Russell in this game. He’s been game managing as of late. Let Russ Cook.
Prediction: Seahawks 26 Rams 19
