Breaking down how the Rams (13-5) and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (14-4) match up heading into their NFC divisional-round playoff sport at midday PST on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium. The sport can be proven on NBC (Channel 4 within the L.A. space).
When Rams have the ball: Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford was a mannequin of effectivity in an NFC wild-card victory over the Arizona Cardinals, and his crew in all probability will want an identical efficiency to defeat the Buccaneers. Stafford accomplished 13 of 17 passes for 202 yards and two touchdowns. He didn't commit a turnover for the primary time in 5 video games. Stafford can be working behind a line that may embrace left deal with Joe Noteboom beginning instead of Andrew Whitworth, who suffered knee and ankle accidents towards the Cardinals. After getting restricted alternatives within the season-finale towards the San Francisco 49ers, working again Cam Akers rushed for 55 yards in a team-high 17 carries towards the Cardinals. Akers will rotate with Sony Michel, who keyed the Rams’ five-game profitable streak late within the season. Receiver Cooper Kupp is Stafford’s high goal, however Odell Beckham Jr. has persistently made performs. In opposition to the Cardinals, Beckham caught a landing go and likewise accomplished a protracted go to Akers. Receiver Van Jefferson and tight finish Tyler Higbee are also threats. Tackles Vita Vea and Ndamukong Suh, and linebackers Shaquil Barrett, Devin White, Lavonte David, and Jason Pierre-Paul lead the Buccaneers protection.
When Buccaneers have the ball: Seven-time Tremendous Bowl champion Tom Brady leads an offense that completed the season ranked first in passing and second in scoring. Brady handed for 43 touchdowns with 12 interceptions. In final Sunday’s 31-15 wild-card victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, Brady accomplished 29 of 37 passes for 271 yards and two touchdowns. The Buccaneers’ receiver corps was depleted late within the season when Chris Godwin suffered a season-ending knee damage and Antonio Brown was launched. Star receiver Mike Evans caught 9 receptions for 117 yards and a landing towards the Eagles. Brady additionally makes use of tight ends Rob Gronkowski, Cameron Brate and O.J. Howard. Operating again Leonard Fournette may present a lift if he is ready to return from a late-season hamstring damage. However Brady and the offense are coping with an injury-depleted offensive line that may attempt to maintain off a Rams entrance that features lineman Aaron Donald and outdoors linebackers Leonard Floyd and Von Miller. Cornerback Jalen Ramsey may match up towards Evans and the tight ends, however Brady will attempt to exploit a secondary that features safeties Nick Scott, Terrell Burgess and Eric Weddle, whose position may enhance after taking part in 19 snaps towards the Cardinals.
After they kick: Rams punter Johnny Hekker appeared to recapture his All-Professional type when he pinned the Cardinals contained in the 10-yard line a number of instances. Matt Homosexual has made 32 of 34 field-goal makes an attempt. Ryan Succop, who changed Homosexual with the Buccaneers in 2020, has made 25 of 30 field-goal makes an attempt. Bradley Pinion averages 38.9 internet yards per punt.
Gary Klein’s prediction: It’s powerful to beat Brady at house within the playoffs, however the Rams are driving a wave of confidence. The defensive entrance will overpower the Buccaneers’ line to assist the Rams advance to the NFC championship sport.
RAMS 30, BUCCANEERS 27
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