This is the first time that the Rams have been in the playoffs since 2004, back in the St. Louis days. Now here they are as NFC West champs, with a probable NFL Coach of the Year (Sean McVay) and potential MVP (Todd Gurley), and entering wild card weekend as solid favorites against the Atlanta Falcons.
The Falcons haven’t played the Rams in the postseason in 13 years, but the regular season record currently favors Atlanta, who have won their last four against the Rams. That being said, the 2017-18 version of the Rams is completely different. Coming into this Saturday game, the Falcons are 5-3 straight up and 2-6 against the spread on the road, while the Rams are both 4-4 SU and ATS at home.
The Atlanta Falcons enjoyed the benefit playing two playoff games at home last season as they made their way to the Super Bowl, but given that the team is 12-5 straight up over their past 17 games on the road, they get a bit of a confidence boost as they head to LA LA Land to face the Rams.
The Falcons may also enjoy the 8:15 PM start time, given that they have gone 10-3 against the spread in their last 13 nighttime meetings.
While the Rams are favored by about a score (at press), quarterback Matt Ryan’s impressive running game together with his solid offensive leadership and experience may provide the composure the underdog needs here on wild card Saturday.
The young Rams find themselves as solid favorites heading into a game with last season’s Super Bowl participant. But what they may lack in playoff experience (it has been 13 years) they compensate for by having the best offensive player on the field in running back Todd Gurley. Gurley put up a league-leading 19 TDs in 15 games this season, and would have won the NFL rushing title had he been allowed to suit up for the Rams’ Week 17 game. But he (and head coach Sean McVay) have bigger priorities, beginning right here on wild card weekend.
The Rams second-year QB Jared Goff may also not have the experience of Matt Ryan, but his 2017 season stats don’t care, as he boasts more touchdowns and fewer interceptions coming into this Saturday night game.
Writer’s Prediction
The Falcons are not the same Super Bowl bound team that they were 365 days ago. The loss of offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan has something to do with that, considering that in the 2016-17 season they averaged nearly 34 points per game, compared to just 22.1 points this season. In addition, Matt Ryan’s numbers are not comparable to those that he posted during his MVP campaign. Pick: Los Angeles Rams to win and cover (-6.5)
