Rams vs. Saints
Rams
What a matchup
The Patriots vs Packers game will certainly be fun, obviously. This matchup might take the cake for the entire season until we get a showdown between Kansas City and these Rams in a couple weeks. Both of these squads have MVP caliber quarterbacks, extremely productive rushing attacks and enough creativity to get Bill Belichick confused. This game will be played down in New Orleans, which I think is fitting – doing away with any of nature’s interference, not that there’s much of that in southern California, and being hosted by a true fanbase (LA has some real issues with sports fandom). This game has a similar feel to the Rams’ last matchup against Green Bay, where the loser really shouldn’t feel all that badly. A one loss team against the last undefeated team in the league – something’s got to give. While seeding in the playoffs might come into play because of this game, both teams are too good to not rebound into the win column the very next week.
Todd Gurley’s toughest test?
This may very well be the reigning Player of the Year’s hardest opponent, yet. The Saints come into Sunday having the league’s best run defense and RB Todd Gurley is leading the league in touchdowns. In these types of scenarios, I give the edge to the offense because while Gurley might be bottled up on the ground, he is just as capable catching the ball – he led the Rams in receiving a week ago. The Saints have also not faced a better offensive line, which will put them to the test, along with the great blocking we all see from the receivers and tight ends from LA. If Gurley can get going early in the Superdome, that should open things up for him catching the ball out of the backfield, as well as set up the best play action team in the league.
Kupp back in the fold
The return of WR Cooper Kupp is nearing, as HC Sean McVay revealed earlier this week that Kupp had progressed nicely with his rehab and was in line to return for this contest. This is obviously great news for the Rams, but I’d be wary about how much Kupp is used in this game, and will he be used as a decoy mainly or will he run actual routes. It sounds like he’s a full go, but with Super Bowl aspirations on the line, they can’t afford to be too risky with one of the best in the league. One other storyline in this game is the fact that with Kupp on the field, that means WR Brandin Cooks should be able to see more single coverage in what could be a big game for the former Saint.
Boom: Brandin Cooks
Bust: Kupp
Sleeper: Robert Woods
-Joe Hanretty
Saints
What a game this is! These teams matchup with a combined 14-1 record, previewing a possible championship matchup. Both Sean’s (McVay and Payton) have their teams firing on all cylinders. This game, on paper, should be fantastic.
Will Drew Brees bounce back from last week? How will the rest of the offense fare against this defense?
Although it did not show in the outcome of the game, QB Drew Brees was not his usual dominant self. The MVP candidate threw his first interception and did not look very sharp all game. The defense made a few key plays in the second half, so we never got the chance to see Brees make up for his first-half woes. This game is shaping up to be extremely high scoring and I believe Brees is in for a big week. DT Aaron Donald will torture the Saints interior lineman but the Saints will game plan around this, especially focusing on RB Alvin Kamara. In last years matchup, Kamara was simply incredible and I am expecting a similar game. In general, this Rams defense is not capable of shutting down this Saints offense especially without CB Aqib Talib. The Saints should be able to pass the ball efficiently, as I trust that Payton and Brees have developed a solid game plan for this matchup.
Which pass catchers are worth starting?
WR Michael Thomas is always a must start. Even with matching up against CB Marcus Peters does not concern me as Thomas often runs routes from the slot as well. This usage of Thomas ensures a level of consistency every week, regardless of the players trying to cover him. WR Tre’Quan Smith has become the clear second wide receiver in this offense which makes him an enticing play. His explosion against the Redskins has yet to be replicated but I feel the big week is coming soon. This game should favor the passing game as the Rams are bound to score often, so Smith makes for an interesting play. WR Cameron Meredith has faded from the offensive game plan and consequently lost all fantasy value. If he is still lingering on your roster, it is time to move on. TE Benjamin Watson has a decent role in this offense but it offers very little value in fantasy. Watson is a bye fill in at best and hopefully you do not need to rely on him as a starter. For this week, the high scoring affair could lead to a Watson touchdown.
What can we expect from Mark Ingram this week?
RB Mark Ingram is a frustrating player. It is obvious that the Saints prefer RB Alvin Kamara especially when the game is close. Ingram is often dependent on goal line carries to produce fantasy value and that will always be inconsistent and fluky. Last week Kamara got the goal line carry and scored which left Ingram with basically nothing. While he is used in this offense, his volume is low enough every week that without a score he is a bust. Chasing that big week is futile and if you have better options this week I would avoid Ingram. I envision this type of game will favor Kamara’s skillset just as it did last year.
Boom: Drew Brees
Bust: Mark Ingram
Sleeper: Benjamin Watson
-Stephen Dudas