This is going to be an intense game. So many great matchups going on, with the potential of the winner to separate from the pack (Rams and Saints face off later this year). I believe the next two games will determine this season as two wins would make us 9-2 with tie breakers all over the place, strong control of the division and 10 days to put the nail in last years NFC representative the Falcons (who Zim kinda owns). But back to the matchups:
Zim vs McVay, hot young offense versus the crusty old defensive guru. While Goff has played well, and seen some things, he’s hasn’t seen this defense yet playing at home in the loudest stadium in football
Their weapons matchup well with ours:
Watkins vs Rhodes, big strong #1 vs big strong #1
Austin vs Waynes, speed speed speed not always consistent performance. Both getting better
Whitworth vs Griffen, two All Pros going at it
Joseph vs Sullivan, Big Man vs Little Man
Woods vs Newman, crafty play
Gurley vs Barr and Kendricks, a premier RB vs a premier LB group
The only name missing from all of this is Harry, who I believe will be the difference for us. His ability to confuse, mask, and dominate will help stifle Gurley, confuse Goff and be a huge difference maker
On the other side of the ball you have
The Rookie facing off versus Donald, big test for the young kid
Trumaine covering Stefon, 2 top 10s at their position
Barron and Rudy, one is a big lumberjack, the other brings the lumber
Reiff vs Quinn, another underrated matchup of Pro Bowl talents
The difference on this side, who is going to cover AT19 and which 3rd WR can make a difference (Treadwell and Floyd have great size over Joyner)
The ST nod goes to LA as they have the best duo in the business.
This game is more exciting than a matchup vs the Saints, Lions, Cowboys, or even Falcons
Vikings 31
Rams 23