Predicting the Final Score of Rams vs. Chargers
By David Rumsey
@davidrumseynfl
Stan Liu-USA TODAY Sports
Sunday’s matchup in San Diego features two teams coming off much-needed wins last week. The San Diego Chargers had a bye week to prepare for the winless Oakland Raiders, while the St. Louis Rams shocked the world by defeating Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos. It might look like the Rams are a team on the rise and the Chargers are barely getting by, but don’t let last week’s games influence this week’s predictions.
The Rams played great football last week, pressuring Manning into some bad decisions. The Broncos did lose Emmanuel Sanders, Julius Thomas and Monte Ball to injuries during the game, though. Those players leaving the game definitely had a negative effect on the Broncos. The Rams were at home and never let the Broncos get going. It will be a different game on the road outdoors in San Diego.
The Chargers only beat the Raiders by seven points and only managed 13 total. If the offense can’t produce more than that, the Rams’ defense could dictate the game Sunday. Not many points may be needed to beat the Rams, though. They only managed 22 against Denver even though it seemed like they controlled the entire game and forced multiple turnovers.
San Diego knows it needs to keep winning if it wants to have a shot at the playoffs. Beating a 4-6 Rams team is a big step in making sure it finishes the season strong. The Rams will definitely come in with some confidence, but I’m not sure that it will be enough to get another win. Phillip Rivers has struggled in recent weeks, but I expect him to begin to return to his early season success. Even if they don’t put up 30 points, I think the Chargers will be able to score just enough to edge past the Rams.
Final Score Prediction: Chargers 24, Rams 13
David Rumsey is a Tampa Bay Buccaneers writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter, and Add him on Facebook or Google.
5 Players Who Could Come Up Big For the Packers
These five little-known players who mostly fly under the radar could come up big for the Green Bay Packers in the playoffs. Read More
Austin Pettis is Solid Signing for Chargers
The San Diego Chargers recently signed Austin Pettis to a deal and it is a good move for next season. See exactly why here. Read More
5 Changes Jaguars Need to Make for 2015 Season
The Jacksonville Jaguars are already changing offensive coordinators, but what other changes should the team make for the 2015 NFL season? Read More
Christie Will Join Jones At Lambeau Field
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie will be with Jerry Jones as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Green Bay Packers in the NFL divisional round. Read More
Rex Ryan Likely To Use Marc Trestman As His OC
If Rex Ryan becomes the next head coach of the Chicago Bears, fans can expect to see Marc Trestman back as the offensive coordinator. Read More
5 Areas for Jaguars to Improve Over 2015 Offseason
It's another dreary offseason in sunny Jacksonville. Here are five things the Jacksonville Jaguars must improve to get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2007. Read More
Flacco-Harbaugh Just as Good as Brady-Belichick
Looking at the playoff successes for the tandem of Joe Flacco and John Harbaugh, they actually stack up just as well as Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. See why that may actually favor the Ravens. Read More
Dallas Cowboys Needs Fast Start in Green Bay
The key to the Dallas Cowboys coming out of Green Bay with a win is getting off to a fast start, and here's why. Read More
5 Changes the Philadelphia Eagles Need to Make
The Philadelphia Eagles need to change some things before the start of next season. Read More
5 Players the Texans Could Use A Franchise Tag On
Here are five players the Houston Texans could use the franchise tag on this offseason. Read More
5 Players Set To Break Out For Seahawks In 2015
The Seattle Seahawks are in the midst of a playoff run, but that does not mean it is too early to look ahead to next season. Here are five players set to break out in 2015. Read More
5 Youngsters Set to Break Out For Ravens in 2015
The Baltimore Ravens had a successful draft last year, and rookies are already establishing themselves as playmakers on this team. Here are five young guys I expect to have a great 2015 season. Read More