3 Bold Predictions For The Rams In Divisional Round vs. Buccaneers

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NFL Analysis Network

The Los Angeles Rams handled their NFC West rivals, the Arizona Cardinals, with ease on Monday night to conclude Super Wild Card Weekend. Los Angeles controlled the game throughout, winning 34-11 as they smothered the Cardinals’ offense into submission.

It was a dominant game for the defense, but the offense was efficient when they needed to be as well. Matthew Stafford played a clean game, something that has been a rare occurrence over the back end of the season. The running game was able to get the job done, totaling 140 yards on 38 carries to help bleed the clock.

With the victory Monday, the Rams will now be traveling to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Divisional Round. The Buccaneers had a walk in the park in their Wild Card matchup, defeating the Philadelphia Eagles 31-15 but led 31-0 going into the fourth quarter.

This is going to be a great matchup for the fans on Sunday morning. What could we see from the Rams? Here are three bold predictions for them against the Buccaneers in the Divisional Round.

3. Four Players Have 75+ Receiving Yards

This matchup has a chance to be very high-scoring. Even with a few key players sidelined, as long as Tom Brady is under center, that is an offense that will produce some numbers.

Luckily for the Rams, they have the personnel on offense to keep up. In recent seasons, the ceiling of the offense was capped a little bit by Jared Goff, but now they have Stafford slinging it around and he is in store for a big game.

Having to keep pace with the Buccaneers, Stafford will be busy through the air. This is the best way to attack Tampa Bay’s defense and he will find some success.

Cooper Kupp, Odell Beckham Jr., Tyler Higbee and Van Jefferson will all have at least 75 receiving yards in the game. This will be a shootout and Stafford will get his top pass catchers involved early and often.

2. Cam Akers Has 100+ Total Yards

One of the most miraculous comebacks in recent history has to be the Rams’ running back, Cam Akers. Akers suffered an Achilles injury in July that was announced as season-ending at the time. Somehow, he was able to return to the field for their Week 18 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers only five months later.

He played sparingly in that game, but against the Cardinals in the playoffs, he was a major part of the game plan. He carried the ball a team-high 17 times, rushing for 55 yards. He also caught one pass on a trick play from Beckham that went for a 40-yard reception.

It could be tough sledding against the Buccaneers’ rush defense, but Akers will find some holes as the passing game will open up some running lanes. He will once again operate as the team’s lead back and have a solid game.

Akers will break 100 total yards and at least 75 of them will come on the ground. He is more explosive than Sony Michel, who managed 67 yards on 20 carries in the first matchup between the teams in Week 3.

1. Rams Pull Off Upset

The Rams are slight underdogs heading into this divisional matchup. They are three-point underdogs, but they are certainly capable of pulling off the upset, and they will.

Los Angeles will take full advantage of the Buccaneers’ offensive line not being 100 percent healthy. The biggest loss is possibly Tristian Wirfs, who was injured against the Eagles in their Wild Card game. He tried to tough it out but eventually succumbed to the lower leg injury.

If he is unable to go, the Buccaneers’ offense could be thrown for a loop. Without Wirfs, the Eagles found some success rushing the passer. Given the pass-rushing talent that the Rams have, they too will get home on Brady if the offensive line is compromised.

After winning his first career playoff game last week, Stafford will get his second and help the Rams advance to the NFC Championship game.

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