5 reasons the Rams should beat the Seahawks and help the Lions make their way to the playoffs

Earlier than Detroit Lions go up in opposition to Green Bay wrappersAll eyes will likely be on the 16:25 ET match. Seattle Sea Falcons and Los Angeles Coaches. For the Lions to play for a playoff spot in “Sunday Night time Soccer,” the Seahawks have to lose or draw that soccer sport.

On the floor, it looks as if an extended job. The Seahawks are taking part in for his or her playoff lives – they want a win and a Lions win to attain it – whereas the 5-11 Rams are injured, unidentified and have just one delight to play on Sunday. Seattle can be the favourite with 6.5 factors. DraftKings Sports Bettingso the view does not look nice.

Nevertheless, I’m right here to let you know to not lose hope. The potential of the Rams being upset right here is real looking. And I can not beat my factors with clichés like “division video games are bizarre” or “Bobby Wagner revenge sport” or “Rams rally for Sean McVay’s doable endgame?” I cannot assist it with emotional narratives resembling

No. Listed here are 5 chilly, laborious details and the reason why the Rams had been in a position to win on Sunday.

Seahawks residence benefit not sturdy this 12 months

The Seahawks have had one of many strongest residence benefits within the NFL for years, however that wasn’t the case in 2022. They’ve solely misplaced 4-4s at Seattle this 12 months and three of their final 4 at Lumen Discipline. .

Now, it is price noting that solely one of many Rams’ 5 wins this season is on the way in which, however they’re undoubtedly up for some parts, contemplating Los Angeles typically must make quiet counts at residence.

Coaches can run the ball. Seahawks struggled to cease run

Regardless of all of the accidents on the offensive line, the Rams have managed to place up a reasonably good offensive assault in the previous few months. On the middle of that is Cam Akers, who’s lastly beginning to appear like himself after his Achilles rupture final season. Within the final seven video games, Akers has scored 105 offenses and 6 objectives for 506 yards (4.82 YPC).

In the meantime, the Seahawks have one of many worst working defenses within the league. Since Week 10, their working protection has been ranked twenty ninth on the DVOA. And over the course of the season, they’re ranked thirtieth (150.5) on the pitch per sport allowed and twenty sixth on the yard per carry allowed (4.8).

Large shock, however it has to rain in Seattle on Sunday. Floor play will be essential.

The Rams nearly beat them a month in the past.

The 2 groups performed one another in Week 13, and the Rams had been almost strolling away with this win, regardless of having solely 3-8 to Seattle’s 6-5 file. With 2:56 left within the sport, Akers scored the kickoff and took the lead 23-20. Sadly, Geno Smith would take the Seahawks on an 11-game, 75-yard drive for the win.

It is price noting that the Rams quarterback was John Wofford in that sport and he performed terribly. He solely went 14 of 26 for 178 yards and two interceptions. Will the Rams win that sport with Baker Mayfield? I believe we’ll see you this Sunday.

Seahawks cannot beat the frenzy

The most important draw back to Rams proper now’s go safety. They’re twenty seventh in PFF’s go blocking, the fourth-most drop-in sack within the NFL, they usually’re thirty first in share of strain allowed.

Luckily, the Seahawks pose no main risk in that division. Sure, they’d 4 sacks within the earlier sport, however on a week-to-week foundation this is among the worst passing assaults within the league. They’re twenty eighth in PFF passing ranking, thirtieth in passing rush win price, and nineteenth in strain share.

Mayfield, who could be a good level guard when saved clear (103.9 pointer factors with clear pockets per PFF), can have a extra relaxed day than standard.

That is proper: The Rams have been a greater staff over the previous month

Up to now 4 weeks – because the Rams purchased Baker Mayfield – Los Angeles have been 2-2 and the Seahawks 1-3. The Rams’ wins had been thought-about to be in opposition to the Raiders and Broncos, however it was simply over a month in the past that the Seahawks misplaced at residence to the Raiders.

And judging by some superior stats from final month, these two groups are a lot nearer than the Vegas streak suggests.

DVOA rankings since Week 14

• Sea hawks: 17.
• coaches: 19.

EPA rankings since Week 14

Crime:

• Sea hawks: 24.
• coaches: 14.

Protection:

• Sea hawks: 19.
• coaches: 20.

Put it collectively and have a look at these layers:

I perceive this can be a small pattern and the Seahawks are going through a way more tough schedule this time round (Panthers, 49’s, Chiefs, Jets). Nevertheless, it is price noting how nicely the Rams performed with Mayfield on the helm.