Not many of us thought the Rams would be holding onto a 5-2 record while the Giants sit with a dismal 1-6 by Week 9 of the 2017 season. But these are the facts, with the Rams on an impressive roll while the Giants are out of the NFC playoff picture altogether. Regardless, the 3.5-points predict a close one, but are the Giants too deflated to put forth the effort and keep it so?
The Los Angeles Rams are currently 5-2 on the season, and in first place in the NFC West. The Rams have won two straight. Most recently beating the Cardinals, 33-0 The Rams have been on a role this year. The offense is averaging over 378 yards per game this year. Second year quarterback Jared Goff has passed for over 1700 yards and nine touchdowns this season. In last weeks blowout win, Goff was 22 of 37 for 235 yards, one touchdown and one interception in the 33 point win. Superstar running back Todd Gurley has 106 yards rushing and one touchdown.
The Rams offense had 425 total yards in the win and are playing like an offense that is supposed to be ranked second in the league. The rams are scoring over 30 points per game this season. This week, look for the Goff and Gurley combination to have huge days against the Giants this week.
The Rams defense is allowing over 347 yards per game this year. The unit has really struggled against the run, allowing 123 yards rushing per game this year. In last weeks win, the Rams allowed 196 yards and allowed no points against the Cardinals in the 33 point win. If the Rams are going to get it done for the third week in a row, the Rams must be better against the run. Yes, the Giants are a good running team, but should not be overlooked in this matchup.
This year the New York Giants have been terrible. The Giants are 1-6 on the year and sit at the bottom of the NFC East this season. With six losses on the year, and O’Dell Beckham Jr out for the season, the Giants are in serious trouble. Veteran quarterback Eli Manning has been struggling this year. His struggles have been so bad, so critics are calling for his retirement. He has passed for 1600 yards, 10 touchdowns and five interceptions this season.
His numbers aren’t terrible, but aren’t exactly jaw dropping either. Manning passed for 139 yards on 19 of 39 yards passing and one touchdown in the loss. If the Giants have any chance offensively this week, they will need Manning to play better in this game.
On defense, the Giants are allowing teams to generate 390 yards and over 22 points per game this season. New York especially struggles in the pass. The Giants are allowing over 269 yards per game this year. Look for the secondary to be in serious trouble this week for New York. Hopefully for their sake, they have corrected some issues during the bye week.
Writer’s Prediction:
The Rams will be ready to roll for this one. Expect the game to start slow, but get entertaining as the game approaches the second half. Eli Manning will have issues finding play-makers in the offense, making it another difficult week for the Giants in this game. Pick: Rams (-3.5)
