L.A. RAMS (3-1) AT SEATTLE (2-2)
TV: Fox, NFL, 8:20 p.m.
Line: L.A. by 2.5; O/U: 54.5
It’s amazing how fast the narrative changes in the NFL. Just a few days ago, the Rams seemed unbeatable and the Seahawks were on the verge of losing three straight games for the first time in the Russell Wilson era. Now, this matchup is even more intriguing after L.A. lost on Sunday and Seattle won. It sets up an early pivotal battle in the NFC West.
One thing to always keep in mind when picking NFL games: Don’t put too much stock into the previous week. The Rams didn’t show up in a 37-20 home loss to the Cardinals, now the NFL’s only 4-0 team. That works in their favor for this game, though, as they’ll be motivated to change the narrative (there’s that word again) and get back on track.
The Rams were 4-1 straight-up after a loss last season and are 12-5 overall since coach Sean McVay took over in 2017. McVay is 6-3 head-to-head with Pete Carroll, including last season’s 30-20 wild-card win at Seattle. The Rams had a backup quarterback for that game. Now they have Matthew Stafford. The teams have played some wild games, including a 30-29 Seahawks win, also on TNF, two seasons ago. The year before, the Rams won, 33-31, at Seattle.
With Wilson playing at home (55-18 all-time), on Thursday (9-1) and in prime time (29-8-1), it’s always risky picking against him. But Seattle is far from unbeatable and the Rams are the more well-balanced, talented team. Seattle’s secondary can be exploited, and McVay, Stafford and a bevy of weapons will do just that. Cooper Kupp (5 TD catches) could have a huge game.
This will be another thriller that should go down to the wire. In the end, the Rams get to 4-1 and rewrite the narrative ... at least for one week.
The pick: L.A. Rams
