"For the Rams to have a chance.."

[FrantikRam]

I have heard this from multiple outlets and I don't get it.

Rams opened up as slight favorites before the line shifted. We have the superior team according to DVOA and FPI.

The only two clear cut roster advantages the Patriots have - QB and TE - Goff had a better season than Brady and Gronk was a shell of himself for much of the season. The Patriots offense and defense were both statistically worse than ours this year by yards. By points their defense was better, but they only allowed 12 points/game against their division. Rams allowed 22 points per game against their division. Remove that and PPG are about the same.

I believe the Patriots can win the game, because despite Goff having a better season statistically, I do believe the Patriots have an advantage at the most important position. I can easily see the Pats winning. But I can easily see the Rams winning too.

Ultimately I'm glad that we're underdogs, and that the world has been saying we don't belong here. But there are four things that line up that are driving me crazy:

DVOA - Rams are better
FPI - Rams are better
Record (and having played more playoff teams) - Rams are better
Statistically - Rams are better

Again, I'm glad that it's happening because it's only going to light a fire under these guys - but I still don't understand people saying "for the Rams to have a chance..." considering the above.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

Rams have a very good chance to win. They match up well with the Patriots.

 

[yrba1]

Rams have a very good chance to win. They match up well with the Patriots.

I think both teams match up well against each other (i.e. Pats can exploit our flaws with our linebacker corps, Brady doesn't bode well against interior pressure), just a matter of who exploits each others weakness at the right time and who has the most points with little time left on the clock for the opposition.

This game is most likely going down to the wire.

 

[SoCalRam78]

Charger and Chiefs both were given better chances at beating the Pats. Mind you the Rams beat both those teams during the regular season. I guess because of the bs PI non call what the Rams did in New Orleans should all go down the toilet?

Also a 2.5 point spread is a 2.5 point spread. Vegas doesn't see it as much.

But the media is acting like this is a mismatch

 

[Ram65]

I believe the Patriots can win the game, because despite Goff having a better season statistically, I do believe the Patriots have an advantage at the most important position. I can easily see the Pats winning. But I can easily see the Rams winning too.

DVOA - Rams are better
FPI - Rams are better
Record (and having played more playoff teams) - Rams are better
Statistically - Rams are better

You can almost throw the regular season numbers out the window. It's what have you done lately at the end of the season and playoffs. NE is peaking at this time. Gronk and others are healthier than in the regular season. Throw in the Belicheat factor of changing things up and experience and you get them as the favorites.

The Rams have a lot going for themselves as well. Wade as slowed down Brady (6-3 record) in the past. McVay is a very smart HC. They are healthy and have some solid veteran stars peaking too. I can't count them out by any means. I wish they had more depth on the defensive line. They may tire out if they can't control the clock. It's hard to doubt the Rams overall resolve to win.

 

[Jacobarch]

I expect the pats to play the same D that Detroit and the packers played against us. We really had a hard time moving the ball against those teams. I don't think they have the right defense to play the same cover 4 that Philly and Chicago were playing, but we'll see. The pats are excellent at game planning against their opponents and they have two weeks to prepare. I also think Bilicheck has been keeping his eye on the Rams all season. I'm sure he has been studying our tape as we were one of the favs to make it to the SB this year. Hopefully Mcvay has followed suit.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

Other than Hightower the Patriots LBers aren’t very athletic. If they really do struggle with the zone blocking scheme then Gurley and Anderson should have a great game.

The key imo is to get some stops on defense. Considering how well the Rams defense played against the Cowboys and Saints, they should be able to get some stops on the Patriots. If the Rams can get a two score lead by the half they should be able to chew up some clock in the second half and outlast the Patriots.

Discipline on D is key. I also worry about refs protecting Toms fragile body and calling roughing.

 

[Loyal]

The media is going withe herd. It’s a cop out imo when I hear “I’ve learned not to bet against thePatriots.” Talk about capitulating to groupthink, this is a bad case of it. Both teams are different than even last years teams and the situation is different for both teams. Magical thinking is utter BS, which the past success of the Patriots seems to surround them...

 

[RamWoodie]

Let's just put it out there like it is:

1. We know this is a close matchup and the team that consistently makes plays is going to win.

2. Our worry as Rams fans for the most part is how the Ram defense performs against Brady.

3 The Pat's have the experience...and yes...that means something but it's not the main factor...just ask the Eagles!

BOTTOM LINE IS OUR RAMS MUST EXECUTE AT A HIGH LEVEL...LET NO OPPORTUNITY GET BY!!!

 

[Merlin]

Rams have a very good chance to win. They match up well with the Patriots.

They really do. The strength of the Pats OL is the interior, same with the Rams DL. That run game shouldn't crush us the way it has everyone else they've faced as long as Suh plays like he has down the stretch. Rams are up for this IMO as offensively I think we're gonna be just fine.

Can't wait for this game man. We might lose, but I am not afraid of the Pats. Rams deserve to be here and they're going to demonstrate that to all these media dipshits.

 

[TexasRam]

The Rams are the better team.

But the Patriots have that intangible that puts them over the top. What’s it called again?

Oh yea...It’s called Cheating.

 

[LesBaker]

This thread is a great example of this board at it's best, and how good of a group this is (except for @Merlin ) when discussing a topic like this. I gave all of you high fives for the responses. I tossed one his way too so he wouldn't feel left out.

DVOA - Rams are better
FPI - Rams are better
Record (and having played more playoff teams) - Rams are better
Statistically - Rams are better

What about this post-season what are the "numbers" for that. IMO both teams are trending up/sideways. Both got breaks to get to the Super Bowl and have played well, but not to their potential in both cases.

It's a conundrum right now. Picking a winner if you aren't a fan of either team picking your own team of course is not easy at all.

They match up well with the Patriots.

It's true that the Rams have some things that give them the edge but see the second response, this is a concern.

This game is most likely going down to the wire.

Only blood can cancel my pain.

Legatron from 67 for the win would be amazing, and would be THE game of all time.

Yes 67, that's no typo.

Leave the Patriots 20 or so seconds to try a Hail Mary that gets picked off.

That way the Rams can line up in Victory Formation because THAT would be a beautiful picture and would look quite nice on the header of this board.

Pats can exploit our flaws with our linebacker corps

My biggest concern is the shortshort passing game the Patriots use. Brady get's the ball out before the pass rush can get to him and the Rams LB's are just OK. By the way Brady has not been sacked in the playoffs.

If I am WP I focus on shutting down the RB's not pressure on Brady up the middle. If the pressure happens that's great but it's not my "game plan".

 

[DR RAM]

It's all about Vegas, the NFL pushing it, and the dumb media selling it.

 

[RhodyRams]

let us not forget that TB12 is not invincible, having a 5-3 record in the big game

 

[MrRiceGuyRJ]

The more I listen to the radio or watch tv, the more it seems everyone is picking the Patriots. And they don't think it's going to be close. The main reason people cite is the obvious. Brady and Belichick have been there before and play their best ball in the post season and everyone thinks the stage is too big for Rams and McVay.

But you know what?? Same was said about the Eagles before they got their Superbowl revenge. I think the Rams have the talent and ability to take home the Lombardi. If we play our game and play to our ability, we have a real shot at winning this and getting our Superbowl revenge. Trust the system. Trust the process. Go Rams!!!

 

[Angry Ram]

 

[Adi]

Our recievers need to make plays, I am not overly impressed with the Pat's secondary .

Make plays and score early, our team plays really well with a lead

 

[dang]

On paper the Pats have advantages at QB, TE, OC, ILB, KR/PR, CB2. Rams are even or better at all other positions.

 

[…..]

Patriot roster has 46 total with Super Bowl appearances.

Rams have 4

Seems simplified but the edge is key and we must overcome it.

No starting off nervous and slowly.

 

[LA_vision]

If Donald and Suh dominate, we win. I really think it's comes down to such a simple premise.