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The Los Angeles Rams (4-3) are set to “host” the Cincinnati Bengals (0-7) at Wembley Stadium in London on Sunday in Week 8. This game, on paper, obviously positions the Rams nicely to string together back-to-back wins and improve to 5-3 on the year.
Early rumblings this week were whether or not Andy Dalton would even be the starting quarterback for this game after a three interception performance at home against the Jacksonville Jaguars last week. Star wide receiver A.J. Green will sit out his eighth consecutive game. And offensive tackle Cordy Glenn is not only unpleased with the organization but was practicing with the second team this week, following a one-game suspension doled out to him by the team.
The Rams offensive line has seriously underperformed to start the season but the Bengals may very well have the worst line in all of football, which could lead to another big week for guys like Dante Fowler Jr. and Aaron Donald. Defensively, it doesn’t get much better for the Bengals, who rank near the bottom in several key statistics. The Rams’ offense should be in store for another solid week.
Can the Rams make light work of a struggling Bengals’ squad on Sunday? The Turf Show Times staff make their predictions...
gorams (@AndrewKulick)
Every week of the season I try to Brexit out of the prediction process. However since we’re in London for a home game, it’s hard not to recognize the influence the royal family will have on the outcome. At Windsor Castle, the Queen told me that the Bengals are headed to the Tower, marched out on the football pitch for the game, where they will be be beheaded by the Rams and we can all have a pint of warm ale to celebrate or if you prefer, a cup of tea.
Prediction: Rams win, 44-6
Eddie Perez (@iAmEddieP_)
The Rams won last week, which I did not see. I honestly thought they would let shit hit the fan, but I’m stoked things did not turn out that way. I’ll eat the crow, gladly.This week is — the Rams fly over to London to take on the Cincinnati Bengals. Like the Falcons last week, the Bengals are not, uhh, too good. It is another get-right game that the Rams should win. Continual improvement from the offensive line & Jared Goff would be nice.
Prediction: Rams win, 31-17
Skye Sverdlin (@skyeattolah)
It’s a season where we’ve learned to take nothing for granted, and this could be a ragged game against a team that almost won in Seattle, Buffalo, and Baltimore. However, the Bengals give up a ton of yardage on a weekly basis and with Cordy Glenn, John Ross, and AJ Green out it seems unlikely that the Bengals will score much. A win is a must for the Rams, but let’s see if David Edwards can build on last week’s debut at left guard, and if the defense can expand their playbook in Jalen Ramsey’s second week.
Prediction: Rams win, 27-13
Brennan Smith (@BrennanJSmith)
Sean McVay takes on protege Zac Taylor for the first time in foggy London Town. After arguably the most complete game of the season against Atlanta, I can’t see the Rams sputtering against a bad Cincinnati team. I’m expecting a strong day from Todd Gurley and more flashes from a revived Los Angeles pass rush.
Prediction: Rams win, 35-13
Kristian Ramirez (@KristianRamirez)
The Bengals are struggling. My adage from last week continues on to this week. Good teams keep losing teams losing. We can’t give up an L on this one, and I don’t think we will.
Prediction: Rams win, 31-6
Elijah Kim (@Big_EZK)
The Rams travel across the pond to face the victory-less Bengals. While the Rams defense has quietly been strong, the offense hopes to build off the victory in Atlanta.Look for the Rams to take care of business and hopefully get guys like Whitworth, Gurley, AD some preemptive bye week rest by not playing a lot in the fourth.
Prediction: Rams win, 31-21
Joey Aucoin (@LARamsRamsRams)
One prediction that will ring true: only Rams fans are going to watch this game. I mean, MAYBE Bengals fans will too, if they cut the eye holes big enough on their paper bags, I guess. Regardless, this game will not be competitive. I see more of a running attack from Darrell Henderson Jr. and another big game from one of the best linebackers in the league, Cory Littleton.
Prediction: Rams win, 40-6
Sean Wilkinson (@Papa_Lurch)
The Rams are back on track and the Bengals are 0-7. Not much to see here, but it’ll still be fun to watch.
Prediction: Rams win, 37-7
Sosa Kremenjas (@QBsMVP)
The Rams should be able to carry over the momentum they gained in Week 7. The Bengals are just an all-around terrible football team. Their offense is putrid, and their defense was okay, though they’re now down both starting cornerbacks, giving the Rams every opportunity to eviscerate them offensively. The Rams shouldn’t have any hiccups overseas, so I’ll slide with another big win.
Prediction: Rams win, 40-6
seattlerams (@seattlerams_nfl)
Like last week, if the Rams hope to be in the NFC playoff conversation at the end of the season, they’ll need to take care of business against teams like the Bengals. With the Rams looking at the bye week after this one, I offer you the wise words of Clubber Lang with my prediction.
Prediction: Rams win, 31-10
3k (@3k_)
Prediction: Rams win, 37-13
Brandon Bate (@NoPlanB_)
The Rams should dominate the Bengals on both sides of the ball this weekend, and I anticipate we’ll see Blake Bortles in the 4th quarter for the second consecutive week. I can’t think of a single reason to expect otherwise.
Prediction: Rams win, 41-10
Staff pick summary: 12 picks for the Rams, 0 picks for the Bengals