PurplePTSD: Rams Writers Expect A Battle On Sunday

Press release from the PurplePTSD:

K. Joudry

2021-12-25

The Rams game got considerably more difficult when the news emerged that Dalvin Cook would miss the game. Oh, and let’s not forget that Minnesota’s QB1 is dealing with a reasonably severe rib injury. Now, the Vikings will take on Aaron Donald & Friends without one of their most dynamic players while also risking losing their leader on offense. Even still, Rams writers seem to be leaning toward a challenging game against Minnesota.

Bret Stuter from Ramblin’ Fan suggests it’ll be a competitive game:

One assumes Stuter would be even more inclined to lean toward LA following the Cook news. Disrupting LA’s balance will be crucial to pulling off the upset. Shut down the run and LA will need to adjust, giving Minnesota a fighting chance.

Cameron DaSilva of Rams Wire highlights the upcoming battle between Brian O’Neill and Leonard Floyd:

O’Neill’s ability to take on Floyd one-on-one will be massively important. Expect Christian Darrisaw to need help from time-to-time, and we all know the iOL will be in tough versus Donald. O’Neill needs to dominate his matchup. If he does, the Vikings will be able to get one more body onto either Donald or Von Miller.

Over at The Athletic, the writers are mostly leaning toward the Rams. 6 of 8 are rolling with LA in their expert predictions piece. Moreover, Sheil Kapadia (I’m a fan of his) is choosing for LA to cover the spread, suggesting he anticipates a reasonably decisive win.

For whatever it’s worth, I’m picking LA in this one. Rams writers are likely correct to suggest that it’ll be a battle out there. The only time Minnesota wasn’t involved in a one-score game was when they beat Seattle in Week 3. Otherwise, they’ve won or lost by one score every time. To my mind, then, Minnesota will be participating in yet another stressful game.

Mind you, I won’t complain if they decide to win decisively. That’s the kind of Christmas miracle we could all get behind.

This press release was produced by the PurplePTSD. The views expressed here are the author’s own.