The Los Angeles Rams will host the Kansas City Chiefs in what should be one of the best NFL games in recent memory. The game was originally scheduled to be played in Mexico City, but poor field conditions forced the NFL to move the game back to LA. Both the Rams and Chiefs come into this game with identical 9-1 records.
The Los Angeles Rams started the season by winning their first eight games before dropping a game to the New Orleans Saints. The Rams all but have the NFC West division title wrapped up, but still are vying for the top seed in the conference. Kansas City suffered their only loss of the season to the New England Patriots, and have a slim lead in the AFC West Division. The Kansas City Chiefs are three-point underdogs in this game against the Rams.
Chiefs Need To Play Defense
The Kansas City Chiefs won’t be true Super Bowl contenders until they get some better play from their defense. The Chiefs have given up 24 points per game this season, but they have been burned by some top offenses this season. Kansas City gives up close to 290 passing yards per game, and this could prove to be a big issue against the pass-happy Rams. Dee Ford has recorded nine sacks to lead the team this season, and Kansas City could use a big game from Ford on Monday night.
Offensively, the Chiefs have been one of the most explosive teams in the NFL. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes has thrown for 3,150 yards and 31 touchdowns this season and has a ton of weapons at his disposal. Tyreek Hill is averaging 16.2 yards per catch this season and leads the team with nine receiving touchdowns. The Chiefs should be able to put up points in this game.
Gurley Looks to Carry Rams
Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley has been an absolute monster this season. Gurley leads the NFL with 988 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, and also has 40 receptions on the season. Look for the Rams to feed Gurley early and often in this game, especially playing in their first game without wide receiver Cooper Kupp. Kupp was lost for the season with a torn ACL, but had 40 catches for 566 yards and six touchdowns before the injury.
The Rams, like the Chiefs, have been awful on defense against top scoring offenses this season. Los Angeles is still playing without cornerback Aqib Talib, and Marcus Peters has been getting torched by opposing receivers. Defensive end Aaron Donald has racked up 12.5 sacks this season, but he could use some help from the defensive line. Los Angeles will have to get pressure on Mahomes if they want to win this game.
Chiefs Upset Rams in LA
The Rams caught a huge break when this game was moved back to Los Angeles, but they still have plenty to prove. The Los Angeles defense was embarrassed by Drew Brees and the Saints two weeks ago, and Mahomes could do the same. Andy Reid has his Chiefs offense looking sharp, and they have too many playmakers for the Rams to stop. Look for Kansas City to win this high-scoring affair against the Los Angeles Rams. Take the points and bet the Chiefs +3.0 in this game.
