Best NFL games of Week 16: Zeke returns against Seahawks
By Joe Schiller
3. Los Angeles Rams at Tennesee Titans
Speaking of desperate AFC teams, the Tennesee Titans are on the verge of not only losing the No. 5 seed but falling out of the playoff picture. After two straight losses, they’re now 8-6 while the rest of the playoff hopefuls are creeping up on their shoulder. Things don’t get any easier with the Rams coming into town. They’re fresh off a 42-7 rout over the Seahawks and are still looking to improve their playoff seeding. We’ll really see how good the Titans really are on Sunday.
Not only have the Titans struggled the last two weeks, they struggled against two teams that are completely out of the playoff picture. Even on the road in Arizona and San Francisco, the Titans should’ve come away with wins, there’s no excuse. Now, they’ll look to get back on track and secure a playoff spot this week.
The Rams have been an offensive juggernaut this season and the matchup to watch will be running back Todd Gurley vs. the Titans front-seven. Even with his talent on the ground, Gurley is just as much of a threat as a receiver out of the backfield and Dick LeBeau is going to need his best defensive game plan to slow him down. The good news is, the Titans are allowing just 87.2 rushing yards per game. One side has to give and it’s going to be a back and forth battle all game long.
This game comes down to the Titans’ ability to play defense. The Rams are tied atop the league averaging 31.3 points per game. Do the Titans have the capability to slow them down? If they can this is going to be a tight game. If not, the Rams are going to run away with their 11th win of the season.