RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesIf you watched the Super Bowl last year, you were probably a bit disappointed. I’m sure you weren’t if you were a Seahawks fan, and I know that I was happy about some of the outcomes, but the game itself was a bit boring. That was a lot different than the NFC Championship game, which was a fantastic back-and-forth battle between the Seahawks and the team we break down here, the Rams.
Last Year
As mentioned, the Los Angeles Rams made it to the NFC Championship before falling short against the Seahawks. It was a good run, but the Rams did look vulnerable in each of their playoff games. They started against the Panthers and seemed like they were going to lose until they had some Matthew Stafford heroics. Speaking of Stafford, he ended up with one of the best seasons of his career and the MVP award. In the Divisional Playoffs, he capitalized on a bad route or bad throw (depending on who you ask) from the Bears and stole a 20-17 overtime win. He was great against the Seahawks, but the Rams defense couldn’t get a stop.
REIGNING MVP MATTHEW STAFFORD LOCKS IN EXTENSION WITH RAMS WORTH UP TO $60M WITH INCENTIVES
Offseason additions and subtractions
That inability to get a stop may be part of the reason that Los Angeles went out and made a major splash this offseason. They traded for Myles Garrett , arguably the best defensive player on the planet at the moment. It was so big that even Aaron Donald is considering coming back to the team, and out of retirement. Stafford is coming back after contemplating retirement, so they shored up that concern. They added Trent McDuffie, one of the better cornerbacks in the league, and grabbed Jaylen Watson from free agency to address the other side of their secondary. Their defense should be even better.
Roster
If Donald comes out of retirement, he probably won’t be quite as elite as he was in the past, but I have to imagine he is still in shape and would be ready by the time the season starts. It doesn’t look like he is coming, though. Still, this defense, which was solid but not great last season, could be amazing this season. I don’t know that Stafford will lead the league in touchdowns and yards, but he still has Davante Adams and Puka Nacua. If his offensive line protects him and gives him time, he will carve up even the best defenses he faces.
Betting Outlook
I am all in on the Rams this year. I think they are the best team in the NFL and have very few exploitable weaknesses. They are in a tough division – the Seahawks will still be good, the 49ers are always a tough team – but I think 11.5 wins is an over for them. I have them at 13 wins for the year. I also like them to win the Super Bowl at +550. Maybe I’m overconfident in their defense with Garrett or a 38-year-old quarterback, but I think the Rams have all the pieces and will close the deal this season.
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