The Los Angeles Rams will host the Kansas City Chiefs in one of the most highly anticipated NFL games in the last few seasons. These two teams have a ton of similarities between them, including their 9-1 records on the season. This is a potential Super Bowl preview, and with young stars on each team could become one of the better rivalries in the NFL.
The Kansas City Chiefs have rattled off four straight victories after suffering their only loss to the New England Patriots earlier this season. Kansas City leads the AFC West Division, but the Los Angeles Chargers are right on their tails. The Rams were able to bounce back with a 36-31 victory over the Seattle Seahawks last weekend after suffering their first loss to the New Orleans Saints a week earlier. The Rams and Saints are in a tight battle for the best record in the NFC. Los Angeles is a 3.5 point favorite in this game.
Mahomes Powering Chiefs
Young quarterback Patrick Mahomes has put up monster numbers this season to lead the high-powered Chiefs offense. Mahomes has thrown for 3,150 yards this season and leads the NFL with 31 passing touchdowns. The Chiefs also have two of the top playmakers in the league in running back Kareem Hunt and wide receiver Tyreek Hill. Hunt and Hill have combined to score 22 touchdowns already this season.
The biggest question mark that still remains for the Chiefs is the play of their defense. The Chiefs are giving up 24 points per game this season, which is right at league average. Kansas City is giving up 289 passing yards per game, which could prove costly against Jared Goff and the Rams. Kansas City does have 11 interceptions this season, and could use one or two in this game.
Rams Lose Great Playmaker
The Los Angeles Rams will be without star wide receiver Cooper Kupp for the remainder of the season. Kupp suffered a torn ACL in their previous game, and the Rams will lose a player who leads the team with six touchdown receptions this season. Los Angeles still has Brandin Cooks and Robert Woods at the receiver position, and will look to throw the ball deep in this game.
The Rams offense has been able to makeup for a mediocre defense this season. Los Angeles has given up a combined 76 points in their last two games, and their secondary has been getting torched. Quarterback Jared Goff and running back Todd Gurley will look to sustain long drives to keep their defense off of the field. Gurley leads the NFL with 988 rushing yards this season.
Rams Find A Way at Home
The Los Angeles Rams caught a huge break when this game was moved back to Los Angeles from Mexico City. A neutral site might give the Chiefs the edge they needed to win this game, but the Rams will take advantage of playing at home. This will be a high-scoring affair, but Jared Goff and the Rams will outduel Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in this game. Bet the Los Angeles Rams -3.5 to beat the Chiefs on Monday Night Football.
