We’ve arrived at our only game of the day with legitimate playoff ramifications. The New Orleans Saints (8-2) travel to the L.A. Coliseum to face off against the Los Angeles Rams Sunday afternoon.
Needless to say, this is where my attention will be focused. If you want to watch it, tune your interociter to your local CBS station at 4:25 p.m. EST.
The Game: New Orleans Saints at Los Angeles Rams (-2)
O/U: 53.5
The History
The Rams and Saints have met up 73 times since 1967 with Los Angeles holding a 40-33 advantage in the all time series.
New Orleans beat L.A. 49-21 last season at the Mercedes-Benz Dome with Drew Brees completing 28 of 36 for 310 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (8-2)
Like the New England Patriots, the Saints have made a complete defensive turnaround since the season began. Before their shootout 34-31 win over the Washington Redskins last week, New Orleans had held its previous four opponents to 17 points or less. Needless to say, the Saints have reeled off eight consecutive wins. What’s more impressive is that they’ve done it after an 0-2 start.
Still, the Saints are hitting the meat of their schedule now. After the Rams, they host the Carolina Panthers, then travel to Atlanta to take on the suddenly relevant again Falcons. In fact, they’ve got two games against the Falcons before season’s end.
It took an overtime period to keep the streak going last Sunday. Drew Brees finished 29 of 41 for 385 yards, two touchdowns and a pick. Mark Ingram rushed just 11 times, but gained 134 yards and scored a touchdown. Alvin Kamara carried the ball eight times for 42 yards and caught six passes for 74 yards and a TD.
The defense, that had been so good leading up to Sunday, wilted under Kirk Cousins and the Redskins’ onslaught. Cousins carved them up to the tune of 322 yards and three touchdowns. The Saints had to score 18 points in the final quarter just to force the overtime period.
Facing a similar, but more prolific offense, New Orleans will be without two key cornerbacks. Ken Crawley and Marshon Latimore are both listed as out.
LOS ANGELES RAMS (7-3)
The Rams will be missing a key cog of their own. Wide receiver Robert Woods is down with a shoulder injury and could miss a couple of weeks. Nickelback Nickell Robey-Coleman is doubtful with a thigh injury. Lance Dunbar and Bryce Hager were limited in practice and are questionable. Woods is a big loss. He’s in the midst of his best season as a pro with 47 catches, 703 yards and four touchdowns.
Last year it was against this Saints squad that Jared Goff flashed the potential that head coach Sean McVay is currently help him achieve. At the time, it was his best game as a pro. He was 20 of 32 for 214 yards, three touchdowns and a pick. He’s blown past those numbers this year.
It’s not been smooth sailing for Los Angeles. They come into this game off a 24-7 humbling loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The game was tied 7-7 through three quarters, but the Vikings were able to wear them down in the fourth. This contest could be a track meet and with both teams missing some legit personnel, anything could happen.
Todd Gurley II was held mostly in check by the Vikings’ defense, gaining 37 yards and scoring a touchdown on 15 carries. He’ll have a lot more running room Sunday. The big game could belong to Sammy Watkins. With Woods out, it’ll be his show downfield. He caught three passes for 36 yards last week.
The Pick
In my Power Rankings I dubbed this game Sean-per Bowl 1 (because of McVay and Sean Payton, you see) and for some reason it hasn’t seemed to catch on. I have no idea why. Everyone is expecting a shootout here with two of the league’s best offenses and I’m no different. I like Los Angeles to win this one at home and get to .500 for the first time in a decade. There’s every chance these two teams will meet again come January. This game could determine where that happens. Rams 38, Saints 34
This week
Straight up: 1-2
Against the spread: 1-2
Last week
Straight up: 5-8
Against the spread: 4-9
Season
Straight up: 92-67
Against the spread: 79-79
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