Coming off a disappointing road loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Seattle Seahawks (8-5) return home to CenturyLink Field to host the Los Angeles Rams (9-4), with first place in the NFC West up for grabs.
The Rams, who lost last week to the Philadelphia Eagles, are a well-rounded team that thrives at special teams, is playing terrific defense and own a red-hot offense that is averaging over 30 points per game.
The Rams are in fact the second-highest scoring team in the league thanks in part to second-year quarterback Jared Goff.
The former overall number one pick has been impressive on the road all year. His quarterback rating away from the L.A Memorial Coliseum is second in the league as he’s passed for 12 touchdowns and only one interception.
Goff is making great reads and is calmer in the pocket, which allows him to utilize the weapons around him effectively to make great throws and confidently lead the offense game in and game out.
Goff has several reliable options to throw to as the Rams are the only team in the league with four different receivers with over 500 yards, including rookie Cooper Kupp, who leads the group as he’s performed consistently week after week.
Running back Todd Gurley has been a dangerous threat in both the running game and passing game as he already has over 1,000 yards rushing and over 600 yards receiving while leading the NFL with 13 total touchdowns.
L.A’s defense has been anchored by their front seven, led by defensive end Aaron Donald who has been a headache for opposing offensive lines.
The Seahawks will look to attack the Rams defense with tight end Jimmy Graham and quarterback Russell Wilson. This year Wilson has been involved in 97 percent of the Seahawks offensive touchdowns, but he can’t do it all by himself.
He needs to get Graham involved early and often if they want to keep pace with the Rams potent passing game. Graham needs to be a factor not just in the red zone, but on the seams and the sidelines to help Wilson avoid the pass rush pressure.
On special teams, the Rams have a unit that has scored three times this season, and in the last three games, they have blocked three kicks.
The Seahawks will have to be perfect in all stages of the game if they want to have a chance to beat the Rams and take back the first place of the division.
