When facing the San Francisco 49ers, the Los Angeles Rams were able to successfully manipulate the situation to avoid losing. It turns out that San Francisco will hold the NFC’s top seed, so the Week 18 finale won’t be as scary as previously thought.
The 49ers, predictably, won’t push any of their stars any harder than they think is necessary. With Christian McCaffrey, the star running back, out, Sam Darnold will start at quarterback. Additionally, veteran players like Trent Williams, left tackle, George Kittle, and receiver Deebo Samuel might only play occasionally.
While this is going on, the Rams have secured a postseason berth, albeit not the best seed. They could finish as the seventh seed if they lose in Week 18, depending on how the Green Bay Packers play the Chicago Bears. Nevertheless, running back Kyren Williams, receiver Cooper Kupp, and quarterback Matthew Stafford have been benched by head coach Sean McVay. Ernest Jones and Aaron Donald, two important members of the defense, will also sit.
Carson Wentz will then be in charge of the offense.
Analysis of McVay’s choice is warranted. The extra sleep is profitable for a team that depends so heavily on its veteran players. That in itself provides sufficient justification (obviously, since the choice has already been made). Would Los Angeles’ prospects of making a deep playoff run, however, be harmed by finishing as the seventh seed?
In a venue where no visiting team has triumphed this season, taking on the Dallas Cowboys in Jerry World means facing a superior quarterback and defense. However, securing the sixth seed entails traveling to Michigan for a legendary matchup with the Detroit Lions. Even with that poetic license, the Rams are a better matchup against a Lions team that has a dubious secondary and a shaky quarterback.
Given that the 49ers are likewise decelerating, Los Angeles still has a chance to win another division title. Given the required rest its stars have received, this task is made more challenging, but it could be vital by this time next week.
WHAT: Los Angeles Rams (9-7) vs. San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
WHERE: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA (68,500)
WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, 1:25 p.m. (PT)
TELEVISION: FOX
RADIO: ESPN LA 710 AM, Tu Liga 1330 AM
ODDS: Rams +4.5 (-118), Moneyline: +165, Total: 40.5 (o -125,u +100)