NFC Championship Game Preview – One Way In

Ab Stanley

The NFC title game will be the end of a season long trilogy. The 49ers won the both regular season contests by a total of 24 points. The Rams are trying to become the second team (in as many seasons) to play in a Super Bowl game at home.

 

San Francisco 49ers (12-7) vs. Los Angeles Rams (14-5) – Sunday 6:30 PM

The 49ers have rushed for a total of 275 yards so far in the playoffs. San Francisco has used both Elijah Mitchell and wide receiver Deebo Samuel to gain tough yardage on the ground. This ground attack leaves the defense vulnerable to big plays off of play action.

Their ability to to control the clock on offense gives their defense a chance to stay fresh and make plays. They also have the uncanny ability to create pressure with just their front four. With Nick Bosa and company creating havoc up front, the 49ers are able to stifle opposing passing offenses.

The Rams have scored a total of 64 points in the playoffs. Matthew Stafford is averaging 284.0 passing yards in two playoff games, with a total of four touchdowns and no interceptions. They’ve had a good mix of run and pass, but most importantly they are finishing drives with touchdowns.

They’ve put pressure on their opponents to keep up the scoring pace, basically eliminating that team’s rushing attack. The Rams’ playoff opponents are rushing for an average of 56.0 yards per game.

This has also allowed the defense to key in on the opponents passing attack – the Rams have only allowed one touchdown through the air during the playoffs. A good mix of offensive philosophy, pass rush and great coverage has given Los Angeles the upper hand in these games.

 

X-Factor:

Los Angeles: Wide Receiver Van Jefferson – With all on Cooper Kupp and Odell Beckham Jr., Jefferson could provide a huge weapon the 49ers can’t account for defensively.

San Francisco: Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo – Garoppolo has to step up and make some big passing plays for the 49ers to win this one. The defense will definitely key in on the run and he needs to make them pay in those situations.

Prediction: San Francisco wins, 24-21. I’ll take the 49ers in a close one over the Rams, 24-21.

Ab Stanley

Atlanta, GA

View All Posts

Leave a Reply