/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65240143/usa_today_12030903.0.jpg)
The Los Angeles Rams (1-0) will host the New Orleans Saints (1-0) at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Week 2. It goes without saying that this game has major implications and is a matchup that all NFL fans will be eyeing during the late game slate.
We’ve heard all offseason how the Saints were cheated out of victory - and a Super Bowl appearance - during last year’s NFC West Championship game. Now only two games removed that meeting, the Rams will have an opportunity to quiet the doubters and show that they still reign supreme in the NFC.
Do they have what it takes to hold off a high-powered Saints’ offense and move to 2-0 on the year? The Turf Show Times staff make their predictions...
gorams (@AndrewKulick)
On a 57-yard field goal in overtime, Rams win.
Prediction: Rams win, 26-23
Eddie Perez (@iAmEddieP_)
The Rams offense was sloth-like in getting going in the first game of the season. This will not fly for the second go around. The running game will be fine with Todd Gurley and Malcolm Brown. It is Goff that needs to hit the open receivers & limit the erratic throws. If this gets fixed, and Jared Goff hits a wide open Brandin Cooks, Robert Woods, and Cooper Kupp for a few TDs, we’re golden. The defense gave up yards, but “bend don’t break” is the name of the game. Wade’s unit will come up with key plays throughout and in clutch moments.
Prediction: Rams win, 34-27
Skye Sverdlin (@skyeattolah)
Maybe it’s my inner-Melonhead speaking, but I will not be picking the Saints to beat the Rams in LA, no way. As a matter of fact, I think the Rams figured out how to put the Saints in Waffle House frying pan last season, and things will only be easier on the Coliseum grass. That’s right, I said it, EASIER. The Saints think they want the Rams, but believe me, that feeling is more than mutual. The Rams secondary rubs it in to the sulking Michael Thomas in the waning minutes, call your senator.
Prediction: Rams win, 41-17
Kristian Ramirez (@KristianRamirez)
Saints week. Will a win this week shut up Saints fans? No. But the Rams need to win regardless. There’s a lot of cleaning up to do based on the way the Panther’s game went down, and it needs to be done in a hurry. As I said before, this Saints team is out for blood and the Rams will need to be able to execute on Sean McVay’s game plan to win. And win we must.
Prediction: Rams win, 33-27
Hotdaddywags (@Hotdaddywags)
NFC Championship rematch time! Week one found both teams looking a little rusty and coming away with narrow victories. For the Rams, it’ll depend on how Jared Goff rebounds from a shaky debut. The Saints were able to get to DeShaun Watson behind Houston’s rebuilt (but still terrible) offensive line, but he was still able to shred them, as their secondary looked a little bit Swiss cheese. If Goff gets time, I expect a big game, and I’ve got a feeling we’ll see some fireworks from Brandin Cooks in this one. On the other side of the ball, I expect to see more triple teams on Aaron Donald, placing more importance on the play of Dante Fowler and Clay Matthews (and maybe Michael Brockers will decide to show up). Declining arm strength aside, Drew Brees is still 8000% better than Cam Newton with more weapons — and it’ll take more than Cory Littleton to slow down Alvin Kamara. It’s going to be a dogfight / nail-biter / cheek-clencher, but I lean home team here by a nose.
Prediction: Rams win, 27-24
Elijah Kim (@Big_EZK)
The Rams home opener is a rematch of the NFC Championship. The Saints have been begging for the chance to get revenge and although the stakes aren’t nearly as high, NO will be ready and hope to exact revenge.Todd Gurley seemed a bit annoyed during the media session, perhaps McVay will channel that frustration to some angry carries. The defense will have their hands full with Kamara and the Saints offense, especially after failing to contact McCaffrey last week. In the end, home field matters.
Prediction: Rams win, 31-28
Brennan Smith (@BrennanJSmith)
Coming off a rusty offensive performance against the Panthers, the Rams offense has strides to make against a supercharged Saints offense that can score at will. This game will be emotional for obvious reasons and the crowd will play a massive part. The key will be how the Rams can contain Alvin Kamara and how much pressure Aaron Donald can get up the middle of the Saints’ offensive line to get in Drew Brees’ sight lines and impact throws from the pocket. Offensively, Brandin Cooks and Robert Woods will need to get open on deeper routes and Jared Goff will need to be sharper on deep throws. If that all comes together, the Rams should take this one
Prediction: Rams win, 31-28
Tim Godfrey (@MrTimGodfrey)
New Orleans used a city revered for it’s food, culture, and allowing me to show my boobs for beads. But now it’s a city that can’t let go of an “injustice.” Drew Brees threw it in the fourth quarter with the lead. If it wasn’t the flag it’d be something else.The city of New Orleans showed up on MNF to troll refs which is the lamest troll thus far. They’re refs. They’re used to screwing up stuff and getting yelled at for it. Congrats on “trolling” the people who make six figures to suck at their job.
Prediction: Rams win, 31-10
Joey Aucoin (@LARamsRamsRams)
Both the New Orleans Saints and the LA Rams had a close call last Sunday and this week 2 matchup won’t be any different. I believe the Rams will find a way to win on the shoulder of RB Todd Gurley II. Yeah, you read that correctly. He still has plenty in the tank and he’s going to rush for 2 touchdowns and catch another win from Mr. Jared Goff. Rams win in overtime.
Prediction: Rams win, 36-33
Sosa Kremenjas (@QBsMVP)
This is going to be the ultimate back-and-forth. The Saints are riding on a highly emotional win and the Rams knocked off the rust in week one against one of the Saints’ divisional foes. The Rams will need to do their best to contain the likes of Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas, while the Saints have a much bigger task at hand containing the entirety of the Rams team. The extracurriculars in this one can sway the momentum to either side, though I’ll ride with the home team in a close contest.
Prediction: Rams win, 38-35
seattlerams (@seattlerams_nfl)
I picked our guys to lose in the season prediction thing, but fuck the Saints.
Fuck Drew Brees
Fuck Sean Payton
Fuck their fans
Fuck the Saints
Prediction: Rams win, 31-30
Sean Wilkinson (@Papa_Lurch)
During the spin-up to the 2019 NFL season, I had the Rams going 13-3 with their first loss coming against the New Orleans Saints this weekend. Short version: The Rams struggled to contain Christian McCaffrey in Week 1 and those struggles may continue with Alvin Kamara on deck in Week 2. Add in the Drew Brees-Michael Thomas connection and the Rams defense could be in for a long day. Short Short version: I didn’t see enough from either the Rams or the Saints in week one for me to change my preseason pick
Prediction: Saints win, 31-30
3k (@3k_)
Prediction: Rams win, 30-29
Brandon Bate (@NoPlanB_)
I think this one will be a high-scoring affair and I really could lean in either team’s direction. I just have an uneasy feeling that karma finds me on Sunday in the form of some late-game Jared Cook, reliable hand heroics.
Prediction: Saints win, 37-34