Tyler Higbee continues where he left off
The New York Jets delivered perhaps the most embarrassing loss of the Sean McVay era the last time they faced the Los Angeles Rams in 2020. Back then it would have been a bold take to predict the Rams dropping a loss to a win-less Jet organization fighting for their opportunity to draft Trevor Lawrence, but anything can happen on Sunday. Here are my bold predictions this time around.
Tyler Higbee reignites LA’s red zone efficiency with two touchdowns
Tyler Higbee returns to action this week against the Jets after a targeted knee injury last January in Detroit. Higbee has been a long standing starter for the Rams dating back to 2016. It’s exciting to see him added back to this surging Rams team pic.twitter.com/SYuJkl0cgj
— RAMS ON FILM (@RamsOnFilm) December 19, 2024
It is going to be nice to see Tyler Higbee back on the field after suffering a nasty injury in the Rams Wild Card loss to the Detroit Lions last season. The tight end room, which had high expectations after signing Colby Parkinson in the off-season, has been a bit of a let-down to say the least. Higbee’s return will hopefully turn the script at the position and nicely round off an offense that has been inconsistent this season. The Rams most accomplished tight end in franchise history will likely be on a pitch count to ease back on the field but I predict he will make the most of his opportunities and cash in two scores on the day.
Jared Verse secures DROY award with three-sack performance
While Jared Verse may not be the odds favorite for Defensive Rookie of the Year in some books anymore…it is notable that NFL executives still have him highly regarded.
In @TomPelissero‘s latest poll, Verse had 15 votes for DROY to Mitchell’s 6.
Braden Fiske also got 3. pic.twitter.com/hxnSe4x6sF
— Blaine Grisak (@bgrisakTST) December 18, 2024
Aaron Rodgers must have had a few sips at the fountain of youth in last week’s 32-25 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was the lead rusher on his team with 45 rushing yards. This week may be a bit more of a challenge for him against a young and tenacious defensive front with something to prove. Against the San Francisco 49ers it was Kobie Turner that stole the spotlight and I’m not talking about his appearance on the Masked Singer. He finished the game with two sacks and was wreaking havoc in the middle of the line to blow up the 49ers run game. While it was the second-year man out of Wake Forrest that stole the show last week, I predict it will be Jared Verse this time around with a three-sack performance that secures him the DROY award.
Cooper Kupp finishes with more receptions and yards than Puka Nacua
Cooper Kupp goose egged because the 49ers zone defense was phenomenal. They knew which way Kupp was breaking/sitting the entire time. Played his option routes extremely well. A product of knowing the McVay scheme.
And then there was this near 59-yard TD… pic.twitter.com/1p9cwKslsg
— Hayden Winks (@HaydenWinks) December 16, 2024
Cooper Kupp finished last week with zeroes across the stat sheet after failing to bring in a reception on three targets. The performance deserves some context with heavy rain fall ruining both McVay’s and Kyle Shannahan’s game plans going into the game. The weather did not stop the storm of headlines and questions about Kupp’s relevance in the offense after achieving the greatest season by a wide receiver in NFL history in 2021. The forecast does not look to be any better this week in New York with temperatures expected to be well below freezing but luckily for both quarterbacks the stadium should avoid any snowfall. Stafford did not look great in the rain but will bounce back as the Rams continue their push for the playoffs. I believe McVay will make an effort to get Kupp involved early-and-often with Sauce Gardner likely draped on Nacua for most of the day which is why I am predicting that it will be Kupp leading the receiver room in both receptions and yards and not the second-year receiver out of BYU.
