NFC West champion Rams can afford to rest starters against Seattle
With the NFC West officially locked up, the L.A. Rams can look toward the playoffs despite the Seahawks coming to town, with the Rams a 2.5-point underdog in a meaningless game. LA is likely to rest most of their starters to stay healthy with the playoffs on the way.
Since scoring 44 points in a thriller against the Bills, the Rams have been held under 20 points in their last three games, yet that didn’t matter in a 13-9 win over the Cardinals. Kyren Williams rushed for 56 yards and the lone offensive touchdown for LA before halftime. Puka Nacua had 10 receptions for 129 yards, and the BYU product is just 10 yards shy of his second straight 1,000-yard campaign.
However, the defense led the way as rookie pass rusher Braden Fiske sacked Kyler Murray twice and Kamren Kinchens hauled in his fourth interception of the season. Ahkello Witherspoon had the play of the weekend—aside from Bo Nix’s miracle game-tying score to Marvin Mims—with a pick off Murray’s deflected pass.
The #Rams win thanks to Ahkello Witherspoon’s dramatic INT. pic.twitter.com/yVkprVpyK2
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 29, 2024
Like the Rams, the Seahawks were offensively offensive in their 6-3 win over the Bears on Thursday Night Football. In what might’ve been one of the worst games in recent memory, Seattle won only their third-ever game without reaching the end zone. Because of the horrid play of the offense, they do not deserve to be highlighted here. The defense sacked Caleb Williams 7 times and cornerback Tariq Woolen picked off an errant Williams pass to mercifully end an excruciating primetime showing.
Tariq Woolen!!! pic.twitter.com/snIzANmutH
— Seattle ON Tap (@SeattleONTap) December 27, 2024
Since Sean McVay is expected to rest his starters with nothing to play for, Jimmy Garoppolo should get the starting nod. Maybe Jimmy G will pull a Carson Wentz and lead the Rams to a win in the season finale. I expect the Seahawks to play with pride as they close out a promising season under first-year coach Mike Macdonald.
Seattle should win by two scores but who cares since LA is in the playoffs and they’re not. Gosh, what a great weekend of football!
