Breaking down major NFL playoff implications in Week 11 schedule
By Ian Wharton
Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Rams
Since this game doesn’t have much impact on the playoff races, I’ll keep it short. This is expected to be the game of the year due to the offensive talent on both sides of the ball. It should theoretically follow the Saints-Rams path where both teams could score at-will outside of self-inflicted mistakes.
Both teams have cutting-edge offensive coaches, elite young quarterbacks, dynamic playmakers, and mediocre defenses. They’re leading title contenders in the truest sense because of their explosiveness. It took other elite coaches (Sean Payton and Bill Belichick) to defeat these two teams.
The Rams have the more star-studded defense, but Wade Philips has been too aggressive at times with his coverages. It’s put pressure onto his young safeties, and they’ve not been the playmakers he’s needed. Cornerback Marcus Peters has been better than advertised but is still out of position without Aqib Talib.
The Chiefs can take a slight advantage of the Rams’ secondary better than the Rams can over the Chiefs’ conservative defense. Kansas City will try to bend but not break, which is tough against the Rams. If Jared Goff is in rhythm against pressure, they’re almost impossible to outscore.
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Fairly or not, the league’s MVP decision may be heavily swayed by this game. Both Patrick Mahomes and Jared Goff should earn consideration for their efforts. So should Aaron Donald, but he’ll likely “settle” for Defensive Player of the Year.
Like against the Saints, I think the Rams’ defense has just one too many holes without Talib, allowing the Chiefs to pull off a close, high-scoring win.
Prediction: Kansas City 42-38