Los Angeles Rams

Why the Atlanta Falcons will beat the Los Angeles Rams Sunday

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The Atlanta Falcons face-off against a disappointing Los Angeles Rams team this Sunday. Despite their adversities and unhealthy roster, the Falcons will right the ship and improve to 8-5.

Oct 9, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Atlanta Falcons tackle Jake Matthews (70) and tight end Jacob Tamme (83) huddle with teammates prior to the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Falcons won 23-16. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The Falcons sense the urgency

The Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are neck and neck 7-5 records, but the lack of difficulty in their remaining schedule allows Atlanta to control their own destiny. If the Falcons win their remaining slate of games, they would set themselves up nicely for the division title and good playoff seeding. Knowing this will invigorate Atlanta. The result is executing on all cylinders against a Rams team they know they can and will beat on Sunday.

Seven weeks ago, we envisioned the 4-1 Falcons running into the end zone valiantly and untouched. There was little doubt Atlanta would clinch the NFC South title dominantly and decisively. Fast-forward to week 14 where a plot twist has been thrown in to shake our confidence.

Imagine it’s overtime…next score wins the game. The Falcons’ drive begins with a highly kicked punt. Atlanta’s returner runs past all the defenders…his speed increases. An uninterrupted, green field is in sight…the fans erupt.

Here comes the plot twist.

Atlanta’s returner is hit from behind and coughs up the ball. The ball wobbles alone along the 50-yard line. It’s the Falcons returner and the unexpected tackler with a chance to recover. What player representing their team wants it more? Who gets to the ball and places their team in position to win the game?

Our money is on the Falcons.

Dec 4, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Chris Long (95) sacks Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots won 26-10. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

A weak L.A. Rams offense

I don’t expect the Falcons defense to be lock down but its reasonable to expect they bend-not-break in Week 14. Atlanta last faced a rookie quarterback in Week 4 vs. the Denver Broncos. The performance was solid and the Falcons defense proved just how “wet behind the ears” Paxton Lynch is/was.

The Rams offense is certainly no juggernaut. Los Angeles has struggled to generate yards per game as rookie Jared Goff is continuously fed to the wolves. Goff actually hasn’t been too bad over the past few games. He’s managed 509 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions, despite playing with an awful supporting cast.

One player the Falcons must watch out for is Todd Gurley. Gurley enters Week 14 on a slump but can break open a game at any time. Still, a bright spot for Atlanta is their 10th-ranked run defense. The Rams offensive line is battered and the Falcons are expected to galvanize the defensive side of the ball.

The Falcons’ defense has been an Achilles heel. Bend-not-break has lately been the impediment to Atlanta’s success. Late game malfunctions have become a trend. Injuries haven’t helped but this matchup is just what the doctor prescribed.

We project Atlanta’s defense will step up, play well, and improve their confidence down the stretch.

The depth of the Falcons’ offense

Jake Matthews and Julio Jones are a “maybe” and Mohamed Sanu is definitely “out”. That’s okay, the offense is still formidable because of coordinator Kyle Shanahan. Shanahan has plenty of critics but he has never failed to successfully scheme against opposing defensive weaknesses.

Nov 13, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Taylor Gabriel (18) carries the ball after a catch for a touchdown in the third quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Philadelphia defeated Atlanta 24-15. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Falcons pack the most potent backfield in Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman. Both will be the backbone on Sunday as Atlanta goes run-heavy on offense. Lightning bolts, Taylor Gabriel and Aldrick Robinson, may also be just too much speed for the Rams to handle. Look for Shanahan to stretch the field by taking some deep shots.

Matt Ryan will continue playing the best football of his career at the Coliseum. He may see some pressure from Aaron Donald and Robert Quinn, but the field will be relatively wide open. The Rams’ defense has significantly faltered as of late. Los Angeles allowed 49 points to the Saints a couple weeks ago. New Orleans generally plays well on offense, but they mopped up the Rams with players the casual fans never heard of.

The Los Angeles Rams simply aren’t a good football team. Atlanta doesn’t have their backs against the wall quite yet, but they know they cannot afford to lose. Watch as the Atlanta Falcons right the ship in pursuit of a valiant first place finish. Some garbage time points may have the box score reading as if the game was more competitive.

 We’re calling for the Falcons to win, 28-20.

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