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Robert Quinn and Nickell Robey-Coleman among those fined for actions in Seahawks-Rams game
- By Prime Time
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 17 Replies
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.co...hose-fined-for-actions-in-seahawks-rams-game/
Delano Hill, Robert Quinn among those fined for actions in Seahawks-Rams game
Posted by Charean Williams on December 22, 2017
Getty Images
Seattle safety Delano Hill was the latest to see his pay docked as the NFL fined him $12,154 after his ejection from Sunday’s loss to the Rams.
Hill became the third Seattle player ejected in two weeks. He threw two punches at Michael Thomas in the third quarter following a Seattle punt.
The league also fined two Rams players as Robert Quinn was docked $12,154 for unsportsmanlike conduct and Nickell Robey-Coleman saw his pay reduced $9,115 for unnecessary roughness.
Delano Hill, Robert Quinn among those fined for actions in Seahawks-Rams game
Posted by Charean Williams on December 22, 2017
Getty Images
Seattle safety Delano Hill was the latest to see his pay docked as the NFL fined him $12,154 after his ejection from Sunday’s loss to the Rams.
Hill became the third Seattle player ejected in two weeks. He threw two punches at Michael Thomas in the third quarter following a Seattle punt.
The league also fined two Rams players as Robert Quinn was docked $12,154 for unsportsmanlike conduct and Nickell Robey-Coleman saw his pay reduced $9,115 for unnecessary roughness.
Rams' scramble to replace NFL's best kicker yields trader banking on break
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 25 Replies
Rams' scramble to replace NFL's best kicker yields day-time trader banking on break
Sam Ficken, who will take over for injured Rams kicker Greg Zuerlein the rest of the season, has spent time in training camps but has yet to attempt a kick in the regular season.
Alden GonzalezESPN Staff Writer
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- Los Angeles Rams special teams coordinator John Fassel called his punter, Johnny Hekker, on Tuesday night. He wanted to congratulate him on his fourth Pro Bowl invite, but really, he wanted him to clear his schedule Wednesday morning. Greg Zuerlein, the NFL's most productive kicker this season, suddenly needed surgery to repair a herniated disk, and the Rams were scrambling to find a replacement with a little more than two weeks left before the playoffs.
Hekker made his way to the team facility as instructed, ready to hold, and he saw six kickers preparing for a tryout.
"Man," he thought, "that's a lot of kickers."
"Oh," someone said, "that's only the first group."
The Rams held two workouts for 12 kickers Wednesday, one at 8 a.m. and the other at 9:15. They each got 12 field goal attempts and five kickoffs, with Hekker holding every snap from a couple of experienced
he Rams held two workouts for 12 kickers Wednesday, one at 8 a.m. and the other at 9:15. They each got 12 field goal attempts and five kickoffs, with Hekker holding every snap from a couple of experienced reinforcements. Fassel called it "more like a gong show than a workout."
There was a 2016 second-round pick in Roberto Aguayo, a nine-year veteran in Dan Carpenter, a couple of recent Los Angeles Chargers in Travis Coons and Younghoe Koo, and others with NFL experience like Andrew Franks, Garrett Hartley and Jason Myers. Ultimately, the first-place Rams went with Sam Ficken, a former Penn State kicker who went undrafted in 2015, has never kicked in a regular-season game and was working as a broker-dealer in Greenwich, Connecticut.
"I just wanted myself to not go in with any bias based on anybody's history, successes or failures and just say, 'You know what, there's 12 guys who are coming in, so let's just go clean slate for everyone and pick who we think had the best workout,'" Fassel said. "You could argue a lot of ways that other guys did this or that, but we thought that Sam did the best job."
Ficken was a finance major in college and was employed at a brokerage called Weeden & Co. He worked out up to six times a week and kicked up to three times a week just in case a professional team needed his services. On Monday, he passed the Series 57 exam to make him a more qualified trader. On Tuesday, he got a call from the Rams asking him to fly to Southern California for an important tryout.
The higher-ups at his company told Ficken that they hoped to never see him again.
They're super-thrilled for me," Ficken, 25, said underneath a yellow Rams beanie. "They're more than excited for me about the opportunity."
It's the type Ficken had spent years waiting on.
Ficken was Penn State's full-time kicker from 2012-14 and improved his accuracy as a senior, making 24 of 29 field goal attempts and all 28 extra points. But every team passed on him in the draft. He attended minicamps but never signed. He spent the summer of 2016 in training camp with the Jacksonville Jaguars but was cut before the season began. He did the same in the summer of 2017, this time with the Kansas City Chiefs. Then he went back home, returned to his real job and waited again, still believing the dream was within reach.
Ficken has a mentor in San Francisco 49ers kicker and fellow Penn State alum Robbie Gould, who's in his 13th NFL season despite initially going undrafted.
On Wednesday, Ficken brought up Giorgio Tavecchio, who finally got an opportunity with the Oakland Raiders this season -- five years after going undrafted himself.
"He's had a bunch of preseasons," Ficken said. "He's always kicked well in them but just was never given the chance to kind of step foot on a real field. Hopefully, I can do a similar thing. I believe in myself. I believe in the work that I've put in. It was just a matter of time to be given a chance."
Ficken went 6-for-7 in field goals and 8-for-9 in extra points during his two preseason stints. He had worked out for the Chargers a couple of weeks earlier, and Fassel said he outperformed his competitors in "everything" earlier this week.
"I thought he hit a really good ball," Fassel said. "A lot of guys did, but there was something about him where you see a really true flight of the football, good enough distance where if you needed a low-50 or a mid-50 in a critical situation, he could probably give you that shot. And his kickoff ability was good."
There was another reason he chose Ficken.
"He doesn't have any bad mental scars," Fassel said. "... He seemed like a kid who hasn't been bothered by any misses."
Zuerlein underwent successful surgery Thursday morning, two days after being named to his first Pro Bowl. Through his first 13 games, he made 36 of 38 field goals -- including 6 of 7 from 50 or more yards -- and 40 of his 41 extra points. His 148 points led the NFL and put him on pace to surpass the 166 compiled by David Akers in 2011 for the most by a kicker.
But Zuerlein woke up on game day with his back barking. It had been sore throughout the season but never to the point where it caused him to miss practice or even come close to missing a game. While grabbing breakfast in Seattle on Sunday morning, Zuerlein could barely sit. He told Fassel that he couldn't walk, and Fassel sheepishly asked if he could kick.
Zuerlein played.
It wasn't surprising," Rams long snapper Jake McQuaide said. "But it was inspiring."
Zuerlein led the NFL in touchbacks by a wide margin, but most of his kickoffs Sunday traveled short. He missed one of his five extra-point attempts but made two field goals, from 36 and 31 yards out. By the second half, it got so bad that the Rams were considering their emergency plan, which involved Hekker kicking and rookie receiver Cooper Kupp holding. The Rams had to go for it on two fourth downs while in field goal range in the fourth quarter, even though they led big in an eventual 42-7 rout of the Seattle Seahawks.
Fassel drove Zuerlein home after they reached Los Angeles International Airport later that night. He pushed the seats down in his car and Zuerlein sprawled on his stomach. When they reached his house, Zuerlein had to wrap his arms around Fassel and his wife to get through his front door.
"Gosh," Fassel said, "that was as gritty an effort as I've ever seen in an NFL football game."
The Rams will go on without him. First-year head coach Sean McVay said Zuerlein's absence will affect his playcalling "just a little bit," mostly with regard to the regularity of his 50-plus-yard attempts. The Rams won't go for it on fourth down more often, McVay added. They believe in Ficken, who will have two games to get the rust off before the playoffs, a strong likelihood for the 10-4 Rams.
"It's not something that I haven't done before," Ficken said. "I've kicked in games; I've kicked in preseason games. Everyone, I think, puts [an emphasis] on the fact that I haven't kicked in a regular-season game, but again, day-to-day job stays the exact same -- put it through the uprights and take care of business."
[www.espn.com]
Sam Ficken, who will take over for injured Rams kicker Greg Zuerlein the rest of the season, has spent time in training camps but has yet to attempt a kick in the regular season.
Alden GonzalezESPN Staff Writer
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- Los Angeles Rams special teams coordinator John Fassel called his punter, Johnny Hekker, on Tuesday night. He wanted to congratulate him on his fourth Pro Bowl invite, but really, he wanted him to clear his schedule Wednesday morning. Greg Zuerlein, the NFL's most productive kicker this season, suddenly needed surgery to repair a herniated disk, and the Rams were scrambling to find a replacement with a little more than two weeks left before the playoffs.
Hekker made his way to the team facility as instructed, ready to hold, and he saw six kickers preparing for a tryout.
"Man," he thought, "that's a lot of kickers."
"Oh," someone said, "that's only the first group."
The Rams held two workouts for 12 kickers Wednesday, one at 8 a.m. and the other at 9:15. They each got 12 field goal attempts and five kickoffs, with Hekker holding every snap from a couple of experienced
he Rams held two workouts for 12 kickers Wednesday, one at 8 a.m. and the other at 9:15. They each got 12 field goal attempts and five kickoffs, with Hekker holding every snap from a couple of experienced reinforcements. Fassel called it "more like a gong show than a workout."
There was a 2016 second-round pick in Roberto Aguayo, a nine-year veteran in Dan Carpenter, a couple of recent Los Angeles Chargers in Travis Coons and Younghoe Koo, and others with NFL experience like Andrew Franks, Garrett Hartley and Jason Myers. Ultimately, the first-place Rams went with Sam Ficken, a former Penn State kicker who went undrafted in 2015, has never kicked in a regular-season game and was working as a broker-dealer in Greenwich, Connecticut.
"I just wanted myself to not go in with any bias based on anybody's history, successes or failures and just say, 'You know what, there's 12 guys who are coming in, so let's just go clean slate for everyone and pick who we think had the best workout,'" Fassel said. "You could argue a lot of ways that other guys did this or that, but we thought that Sam did the best job."
Ficken was a finance major in college and was employed at a brokerage called Weeden & Co. He worked out up to six times a week and kicked up to three times a week just in case a professional team needed his services. On Monday, he passed the Series 57 exam to make him a more qualified trader. On Tuesday, he got a call from the Rams asking him to fly to Southern California for an important tryout.
The higher-ups at his company told Ficken that they hoped to never see him again.
They're super-thrilled for me," Ficken, 25, said underneath a yellow Rams beanie. "They're more than excited for me about the opportunity."
It's the type Ficken had spent years waiting on.
Ficken was Penn State's full-time kicker from 2012-14 and improved his accuracy as a senior, making 24 of 29 field goal attempts and all 28 extra points. But every team passed on him in the draft. He attended minicamps but never signed. He spent the summer of 2016 in training camp with the Jacksonville Jaguars but was cut before the season began. He did the same in the summer of 2017, this time with the Kansas City Chiefs. Then he went back home, returned to his real job and waited again, still believing the dream was within reach.
Ficken has a mentor in San Francisco 49ers kicker and fellow Penn State alum Robbie Gould, who's in his 13th NFL season despite initially going undrafted.
On Wednesday, Ficken brought up Giorgio Tavecchio, who finally got an opportunity with the Oakland Raiders this season -- five years after going undrafted himself.
"He's had a bunch of preseasons," Ficken said. "He's always kicked well in them but just was never given the chance to kind of step foot on a real field. Hopefully, I can do a similar thing. I believe in myself. I believe in the work that I've put in. It was just a matter of time to be given a chance."
Ficken went 6-for-7 in field goals and 8-for-9 in extra points during his two preseason stints. He had worked out for the Chargers a couple of weeks earlier, and Fassel said he outperformed his competitors in "everything" earlier this week.
"I thought he hit a really good ball," Fassel said. "A lot of guys did, but there was something about him where you see a really true flight of the football, good enough distance where if you needed a low-50 or a mid-50 in a critical situation, he could probably give you that shot. And his kickoff ability was good."
There was another reason he chose Ficken.
"He doesn't have any bad mental scars," Fassel said. "... He seemed like a kid who hasn't been bothered by any misses."
Zuerlein underwent successful surgery Thursday morning, two days after being named to his first Pro Bowl. Through his first 13 games, he made 36 of 38 field goals -- including 6 of 7 from 50 or more yards -- and 40 of his 41 extra points. His 148 points led the NFL and put him on pace to surpass the 166 compiled by David Akers in 2011 for the most by a kicker.
But Zuerlein woke up on game day with his back barking. It had been sore throughout the season but never to the point where it caused him to miss practice or even come close to missing a game. While grabbing breakfast in Seattle on Sunday morning, Zuerlein could barely sit. He told Fassel that he couldn't walk, and Fassel sheepishly asked if he could kick.
Zuerlein played.
It wasn't surprising," Rams long snapper Jake McQuaide said. "But it was inspiring."
Zuerlein led the NFL in touchbacks by a wide margin, but most of his kickoffs Sunday traveled short. He missed one of his five extra-point attempts but made two field goals, from 36 and 31 yards out. By the second half, it got so bad that the Rams were considering their emergency plan, which involved Hekker kicking and rookie receiver Cooper Kupp holding. The Rams had to go for it on two fourth downs while in field goal range in the fourth quarter, even though they led big in an eventual 42-7 rout of the Seattle Seahawks.
Fassel drove Zuerlein home after they reached Los Angeles International Airport later that night. He pushed the seats down in his car and Zuerlein sprawled on his stomach. When they reached his house, Zuerlein had to wrap his arms around Fassel and his wife to get through his front door.
"Gosh," Fassel said, "that was as gritty an effort as I've ever seen in an NFL football game."
The Rams will go on without him. First-year head coach Sean McVay said Zuerlein's absence will affect his playcalling "just a little bit," mostly with regard to the regularity of his 50-plus-yard attempts. The Rams won't go for it on fourth down more often, McVay added. They believe in Ficken, who will have two games to get the rust off before the playoffs, a strong likelihood for the 10-4 Rams.
"It's not something that I haven't done before," Ficken said. "I've kicked in games; I've kicked in preseason games. Everyone, I think, puts [an emphasis] on the fact that I haven't kicked in a regular-season game, but again, day-to-day job stays the exact same -- put it through the uprights and take care of business."
[www.espn.com]
Need a laugh? Then read this.
- By Barrison
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 69 Replies
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2017/...-la-rams-jeff-fisher-credit-for-2017-get-bent
You guys remember ol Dave McGinnis right? Fishers right hand man, well he is now a color commentator for the Titans and is flapping his gums saying him and Fisher deserve credit for our success this year..
Hahahahahahahahahahahaha
You guys remember ol Dave McGinnis right? Fishers right hand man, well he is now a color commentator for the Titans and is flapping his gums saying him and Fisher deserve credit for our success this year..
Hahahahahahahahahahahaha
LA Rams S Cody Davis returns to practice
- By BonifayRam
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 14 Replies
LA Rams S Cody Davis returns to practice
14 comments
With all the bad injury luck haunting the Rams lately, they get some reinforcements back
By Sosa Kremenjas@SosaNFLDraft Dec 21, 2017, 2:56pm CST
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2017/...-cody-davis-safety-returns-to-practice-injury
As the season-ending injuries continued to pour on the Los Angeles Rams the past few weeks, the tide has turned, and they’ve been blessed with some better news today:
Cody Davis Returns to Practice
Read » https://t.co/W1OclIVUQu pic.twitter.com/Ck13oPo4SV
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) December 21, 2017
After losing a member in the secondary (CB Kayvon Webster) to a ruptured achilles, they gain a former-member who has been cleared to officially start practicing again, S Cody Davis. Davis was initially placed on injured reserve in early November after suffering a quad injury in week six against the Jacksonville Jaguars. After a multi-week absence, Davis has now recovered, and can make his earliest return to the field on week 17, which would hit eight full weeks (the required amount) a player must miss after being placed on IR.
Cody Davis was the third Safety on the depth chart, finding plenty of work on all special teams units, as well as sub-package defenses. Davis registered 19 tackles and an interception on the season.
I have been looking for this & commented on it about 10 days ago here:
http://www.ramsondemand.com/threads...-on-injured-reserve.52631/page-3#post-1006497
Since the above post Rams have lost our starting outside CB Webster. Plus this week our Webster replacement in the Rams Defense line up Troy Hill has been unable to practice due to an illness. Lets hope that Troy can get well or we will see a ton of Blake Countess on the field when Joyner moves to the Nickle to cover the slot. Usually we have some issues with BC on the field & he is forced into heavy coverage use. BC does better normally in the run game.
If Wade can go into the playoff with Cody as our 3rd safety it will help us in the pass defense a ton. Joyner if needed can cover the slot with NR-C & Trumaine on the exterior boundaries. Moving Troy Hill back to the #6 DB role which to me is much more comfortable for this defense.
Week 16 Predict the Score- Rams @ Titans
- By RhodyRams
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 54 Replies
Week 16 finds us one win away from clinching a playoff berth after the beat down the Rams gave Seattle last week (hehehehehehehehe)
Can the mighty Los Angeles Rams fly into Nashville and give us a Win for Christmas, or will the Titans, who play pretty good at home, prevent us from celebrating?
share your thoughts on the final score of the game, including the correct winning team. The first person who comes closest to the actual final score will win $10,000 RODollars
Pick the exact final score, including the correct winning team, and win $25,000 RODollars.
all prizes to be collected in the sportsbook
Good Luck and
Can the mighty Los Angeles Rams fly into Nashville and give us a Win for Christmas, or will the Titans, who play pretty good at home, prevent us from celebrating?
share your thoughts on the final score of the game, including the correct winning team. The first person who comes closest to the actual final score will win $10,000 RODollars
Pick the exact final score, including the correct winning team, and win $25,000 RODollars.
all prizes to be collected in the sportsbook
Good Luck and
Sportscasting icon Dick Enberg dead at 82
- By Riverumbbq
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 17 Replies
Jason Owens,The Turnstile 56 minutes ago 
Longtime sportscaster Dick Enberg has died of a suspected heart attack in a San Diego suburb at 82, his wife told the San Diego Union-Tribune. His daughter confirmed the report with the Associated Press.
Enberg was a fixture in American households for years, calling NFL and MLB games and Wimbledon for NBC, CBS and ESPN. He was best known for his catch phrase, “Oh, my!”
He spent his later years in San Diego, calling games locally for the Padres.
Enberg retired with multiple broadcasting honors, including the National Baseball Hall of Fame’s Ford C. Frick Award, the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Rozelle Award, and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame’s Gowdy Award. He also took home 14 Emmy awards.
After starting his full-time career calling local games in Los Angeles in the 1960s, he spent 25 years at NBC, where his highlights included calling Michigan State’s 1979 NCAA championship victory over Indiana State in a game that featured Magic Johnson and Larry Bird and helped usher in the modern era of basketball.
He spent 11 years at CBS and covered Wimbledon and French Open championships for ESPN starting in 2004. In total, he called 10 Super Bowls, 28 Wimbledon championships and 8 NCAA Tournament championships, according to the Union-Tribune.
He spent his last seven working years calling the Padres before retiring in 2016.
He would have been 83 on January 9.
https://www.yahoo.com/sports/report...rg-died-heart-attack-san-diego-054953281.html
Week 16 Picks
- By Prime Time
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 8 Replies
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2017/12/21/pfts-week-16-picks-7/
PFT’s Week 16 picks
Posted by Mike Foolio on December 21, 2017
Rams at Titans
MDS’s take: Both of these teams are likely to make the playoffs, but the Rams are rolling as Super Bowl contenders, whereas the Titans are more likely to sneak in because the AFC is weak this year.
MDS’s pick: Rams 28, Titans 14.
Florio’s take: The Rams are peaking, the Titans are slipping, and Tennessee could be sliding out of the playoff chase.
Florio’s pick: Rams 27, Titans 20.
----------
Colts at Ravens
MDS’s take: The Colts are just playing out the string and the Ravens are fighting for a playoff spot, and I can’t see this one being very close.
MDS’s pick: Ravens 35, Colts 10.
Florio’s take: The Colts return to Baltimore, where the best revenge for their middle-of-the-night departure would be sending them limping back to Indy.
Florio’s pick: Ravens 30, Colts 17.
-------------
Vikings at Packers
MDS’s take: This game took a big hit with the Packers’ decision to shut down Aaron Rodgersfor the season. The Vikings shouldn’t have too much trouble winning this one to stay in contention for home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
MDS’s pick: Vikings 27, Packers 14.
Florio’s take: Green Bay has significant motivation to throw a wrench in Minnesota’s effort to get a bye week. But do they have the horsepower to do it? Brett Hundley and Joe Houlihan/Callahan/O’Hallahan are back, and that may not be enough to give the Vikings their fourth loss of the year.
Florio’s pick: Vikings 27, Packers 17.
-------------
Lions at Bengals
MDS’s take: The Bengals have looked like they’re ready to quit on the season amid reports that Marvin Lewis is ready to quit on the Bengals. The Lions are a long shot to make the playoffs, but they’ll stay alive heading into Week 17.
MDS’s pick: Lions 30, Bengals 20.
Florio’s take: The Bengals are falling apart. The Lions are fighting for a playoff berth.
Florio’s pick: Lions 23, Bengals 10.
-----------
Dolphins at Chiefs
MDS’s take: Despite a mid-season swoon, the Chiefs seem to be regaining their footing as they head to the playoffs. They’re going to win the AFC West and be a tough team to beat in January.
MDS’s pick: Chiefs 24, Dolphins 14.
Florio’s take: Adam Gase historically has done well against Bob Sutton’s defense. Yes, the Chiefs are trying to close out a division title. But they still have flaws on both sides of the ball, and the Dolphins showed not that long ago they know how to beat a playoff team.
Florio’s pick: Dolphins 27, Chiefs 16.
------------
Bills at Patriots
MDS’s take: The Patriots now control their destiny for home-field advantage in the AFC playoffs, and they’ll take care of business against the Bills.
MDS’s pick: Patriots 30, Bills 17.
Florio’s take: The Pats are closing in on the No. 1 seed. And they learned the hard way two years ago the consequences of tripping over division rivals in the final weeks of the season.
Florio’s pick: Patriots 31, Bills 17.
------------
Browns at Bears
MDS’s take: Can the Browns stave off 0-16? They can, but I don’t think they will: The Bears will take this one.
MDS’s pick: Bears 20, Browns 10.
Florio’s take: Either the Browns will get their first win of the year, or the Bears will get their first win under John Fox when favored. It probably will be a tie.
Florio’s pick: Bears 13, Browns 10.
-------------
Buccaneers at Panthers
MDS’s take: The Buccaneers competed hard in Monday night’s loss to the Falcons, but this time around I think they’ll be running on fumes on a short week. The Panthers should win comfortably.
MDS’s pick: Panthers 33, Buccaneers 20.
Florio’s take: The Bucs emptied the tank on Monday night. The Panthers still have a real shot at the No. 2 seed.
Florio’s pick: Panthers 30, Buccaneers 10.
-----------
Falcons at Saints
MDS’s take: This is one of the biggest games of the year, with both teams still fighting for playoff berths. I think the Saints are going to have too much offensive firepower for the Falcons to beat them in New Orleans.
MDS’s pick: Saints 28, Falcons 17.
Florio’s take: Three teams are clustered around the top of the NFC South, and the loser of this one will be relegated to wild-card status at best.
Florio’s pick: Saints 28, Falcons 24.
-------------
Broncos at Redskins
MDS’s take: Neither team has anything to play for, but I think Kirk Cousins wants to put on a show as he heads toward free agency and will have a big game.
MDS’s pick: Redskins 31, Broncos 17.
Florio’s take: The Broncos have found their stride in recent weeks, but Washington quarterback Kirk Cousins is playing for a lot more than a meaningless late-season win.
Florio’s pick: Redskins 24, Broncos 20.
------------
Chargers at Jets
MDS’s take: The Jets were a much better team than anyone expected with Josh McCown at quarterback, but with Bryce Petty running the show they’re going nowhere.
MDS’s pick: Chargers 21, Jets 10.
Florio’s take: The Chargers return to MetLife Stadium, site of their first win of the season. They desperately lead another one to have any chance to play in January.
Florio’s pick: Chargers 24, Jets 13.
-------------
Jaguars at 49ers
MDS’s take: Jimmy Garoppolo has the 49ers playing so well that I’m tempted to pick them in an upset. But the Jaguars’ pass defense is so good that I think Garoppolo is bound to suffer his first loss as a starting quarterback.
MDS’s pick: Jaguars 20, 49ers 13.
Florio’s take: The 49ers are on a hot streak, but they haven’t faced anyone like the Jaguars. They’ll find out the difference, the hard way.
Florio’s pick: Jaguars 31, 49ers 16.
------------
Seahawks at Cowboys
MDS’s take: This is a must-win game, as the team that loses will be eliminated. I think that’s going to be the Seahawks, who just haven’t been playing well of late.
MDS’s pick: Cowboys 24, Seahawks 14.
Florio’s take: This would have been a great game if the Seahawks hadn’t fallen apart in recent weeks.
Florio’s pick: Cowboys 35, Seahawks 14.
------------
Giants at Cardinals
MDS’s take: Drew Stanton is back in as the Cardinals’ starting quarterback, and Arizona should move the ball just enough to win a close and probably boring game.
MDS’s pick: Cardinals 17, Giants 16.
Florio’s take: We’re gonna need a bigger carton of egg nog to get through this one.
Florio’s pick: Cardinals 20, Giants 17.
------------
Steelers at Texans
MDS’s take: The Steelers are still in contention for home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs, but they could also still drop behind the Jaguars for the No. 3 seed. Pittsburgh will be motivated and will play well.
MDS’s pick: Steelers 30, Texans 17.
Florio’s take: This one went from being an official Red Ryder, carbine-action 200-shot, range model air rifle, with a compass in the stock and this thing that tells time to a pile of reindeer pellets the moment Deshaun Watson’s ACL popped.
Florio’s pick: Steelers 27, Texans 10.
------------
Raiders at Eagles
MDS’s take: This one is hard to pick in advance because we don’t know if either team will have anything to play for: The Raiders might be mathematically eliminated from the playoffs before this game, and the Eagles might have home-field advantage throughout the playoffs wrapped up before this game. With that caveat aside, I like the better team to win at home.
MDS’s pick: Eagles 30, Raiders 20.
Florio’s take: Four years after Nick Foles threw seven touchdown passes and no interceptions against the Raiders, he gets a chance to do it again. He won’t need to do quite that much to nail down the win and the No. 1 seed.
Florio’s pick: Eagles 27, Raiders 23.
--------------------------------------------------------
https://www.sbnation.com/2017/12/20...rts-predictions-saints-falcons-patriots-bills
LAR/ LAR/ LAR/ LAR/ LAR/ LAR/ LAR/ LAR/ TEN
Only the computer picked the Titans. Stupid computer!
-------------------------------
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2741764-chris-simms-week-16-nfl-picks
Los Angeles Rams at Tennessee Titans
When: Sunday at 1 p.m. ET (Fox), Nissan Stadium, Nashville, Tennessee
If the Los Angeles Rams can stop the Tennessee Titans' run game, they should win. Run defense is the only real weakness L.A. has shown, and running the ball is the only thing the Titans do really well.
However, the Rams have shown the ability to buckle down and slow the run when it's their primary goal. They usually struggle more when facing teams that are more pass-heavy because they cannot focus as much on just the one area. Tennessee's passing game isn't a major threat, so the focus should be on the run.
The Titans are a team going in the wrong direction. The Rams are a team that continues to get better. Their offense has too many weapons—Todd Gurley should be in the MVP conversation—and the defense is too good at rushing the passer and creating chaos up front. I don't trust Marcus Mariota to carry his team against L.A. at all.
Prediction: Rams 24, Titans 20
-----------------------------------------
http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2017/12/nfl_picks_vs_spread_week_16.html
Rams (-7) at Titans
The Rams can’t afford a letdown after their big win in Seattle. The Titans have lost two consecutive games but have won five straight at home. Titans score the upset to keep their playoff hopes alive. Titans 24, Rams 23
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https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/features/writers/expert/picks/straight-up/16
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http://www.nj.com/sports/index.ssf/2017/12/nfl_week_16_schedule_point_spreads_betting_lines_p.html
Los Angeles Rams (-6.5) at Tennessee Titans
There's plenty of reasons to like the Titans this week: Home, Rams traveling east for a 1 p.m. game, bounce-back after a tough loss in San Fran and the Rams coming off the high of knocking down the Seahawks. But I just don't know how the Titans keep up on the scoreboard all game. MY PICK: Titans.
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http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/new...awks-patriots-bills/itsyw9ghcwj71ekxj2xffqmj3
Los Angeles Rams (-7) at Tennessee Titans
Sunday 1 p.m., Fox
Another team from LA, another matchup lopsided in favor of the visitors. Jared Goff and Todd Gurley will be in great positions to succeed against the Tennessee defense, while the Titans don’t have the same rushing efficiency and firepower to get the better of the Rams’ defense.
PICK: Rams win 26-16 and cover the spread.
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https://www.si.com/nfl-expert-game-picks-peter-king-sports-illustrated-mmqb-staff
L.A. RAMS AT TENNESSEE
PFT’s Week 16 picks
Posted by Mike Foolio on December 21, 2017
Rams at Titans
MDS’s take: Both of these teams are likely to make the playoffs, but the Rams are rolling as Super Bowl contenders, whereas the Titans are more likely to sneak in because the AFC is weak this year.
MDS’s pick: Rams 28, Titans 14.
Florio’s take: The Rams are peaking, the Titans are slipping, and Tennessee could be sliding out of the playoff chase.
Florio’s pick: Rams 27, Titans 20.
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Colts at Ravens
MDS’s take: The Colts are just playing out the string and the Ravens are fighting for a playoff spot, and I can’t see this one being very close.
MDS’s pick: Ravens 35, Colts 10.
Florio’s take: The Colts return to Baltimore, where the best revenge for their middle-of-the-night departure would be sending them limping back to Indy.
Florio’s pick: Ravens 30, Colts 17.
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Vikings at Packers
MDS’s take: This game took a big hit with the Packers’ decision to shut down Aaron Rodgersfor the season. The Vikings shouldn’t have too much trouble winning this one to stay in contention for home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
MDS’s pick: Vikings 27, Packers 14.
Florio’s take: Green Bay has significant motivation to throw a wrench in Minnesota’s effort to get a bye week. But do they have the horsepower to do it? Brett Hundley and Joe Houlihan/Callahan/O’Hallahan are back, and that may not be enough to give the Vikings their fourth loss of the year.
Florio’s pick: Vikings 27, Packers 17.
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Lions at Bengals
MDS’s take: The Bengals have looked like they’re ready to quit on the season amid reports that Marvin Lewis is ready to quit on the Bengals. The Lions are a long shot to make the playoffs, but they’ll stay alive heading into Week 17.
MDS’s pick: Lions 30, Bengals 20.
Florio’s take: The Bengals are falling apart. The Lions are fighting for a playoff berth.
Florio’s pick: Lions 23, Bengals 10.
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Dolphins at Chiefs
MDS’s take: Despite a mid-season swoon, the Chiefs seem to be regaining their footing as they head to the playoffs. They’re going to win the AFC West and be a tough team to beat in January.
MDS’s pick: Chiefs 24, Dolphins 14.
Florio’s take: Adam Gase historically has done well against Bob Sutton’s defense. Yes, the Chiefs are trying to close out a division title. But they still have flaws on both sides of the ball, and the Dolphins showed not that long ago they know how to beat a playoff team.
Florio’s pick: Dolphins 27, Chiefs 16.
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Bills at Patriots
MDS’s take: The Patriots now control their destiny for home-field advantage in the AFC playoffs, and they’ll take care of business against the Bills.
MDS’s pick: Patriots 30, Bills 17.
Florio’s take: The Pats are closing in on the No. 1 seed. And they learned the hard way two years ago the consequences of tripping over division rivals in the final weeks of the season.
Florio’s pick: Patriots 31, Bills 17.
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Browns at Bears
MDS’s take: Can the Browns stave off 0-16? They can, but I don’t think they will: The Bears will take this one.
MDS’s pick: Bears 20, Browns 10.
Florio’s take: Either the Browns will get their first win of the year, or the Bears will get their first win under John Fox when favored. It probably will be a tie.
Florio’s pick: Bears 13, Browns 10.
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Buccaneers at Panthers
MDS’s take: The Buccaneers competed hard in Monday night’s loss to the Falcons, but this time around I think they’ll be running on fumes on a short week. The Panthers should win comfortably.
MDS’s pick: Panthers 33, Buccaneers 20.
Florio’s take: The Bucs emptied the tank on Monday night. The Panthers still have a real shot at the No. 2 seed.
Florio’s pick: Panthers 30, Buccaneers 10.
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Falcons at Saints
MDS’s take: This is one of the biggest games of the year, with both teams still fighting for playoff berths. I think the Saints are going to have too much offensive firepower for the Falcons to beat them in New Orleans.
MDS’s pick: Saints 28, Falcons 17.
Florio’s take: Three teams are clustered around the top of the NFC South, and the loser of this one will be relegated to wild-card status at best.
Florio’s pick: Saints 28, Falcons 24.
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Broncos at Redskins
MDS’s take: Neither team has anything to play for, but I think Kirk Cousins wants to put on a show as he heads toward free agency and will have a big game.
MDS’s pick: Redskins 31, Broncos 17.
Florio’s take: The Broncos have found their stride in recent weeks, but Washington quarterback Kirk Cousins is playing for a lot more than a meaningless late-season win.
Florio’s pick: Redskins 24, Broncos 20.
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Chargers at Jets
MDS’s take: The Jets were a much better team than anyone expected with Josh McCown at quarterback, but with Bryce Petty running the show they’re going nowhere.
MDS’s pick: Chargers 21, Jets 10.
Florio’s take: The Chargers return to MetLife Stadium, site of their first win of the season. They desperately lead another one to have any chance to play in January.
Florio’s pick: Chargers 24, Jets 13.
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Jaguars at 49ers
MDS’s take: Jimmy Garoppolo has the 49ers playing so well that I’m tempted to pick them in an upset. But the Jaguars’ pass defense is so good that I think Garoppolo is bound to suffer his first loss as a starting quarterback.
MDS’s pick: Jaguars 20, 49ers 13.
Florio’s take: The 49ers are on a hot streak, but they haven’t faced anyone like the Jaguars. They’ll find out the difference, the hard way.
Florio’s pick: Jaguars 31, 49ers 16.
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Seahawks at Cowboys
MDS’s take: This is a must-win game, as the team that loses will be eliminated. I think that’s going to be the Seahawks, who just haven’t been playing well of late.
MDS’s pick: Cowboys 24, Seahawks 14.
Florio’s take: This would have been a great game if the Seahawks hadn’t fallen apart in recent weeks.
Florio’s pick: Cowboys 35, Seahawks 14.
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Giants at Cardinals
MDS’s take: Drew Stanton is back in as the Cardinals’ starting quarterback, and Arizona should move the ball just enough to win a close and probably boring game.
MDS’s pick: Cardinals 17, Giants 16.
Florio’s take: We’re gonna need a bigger carton of egg nog to get through this one.
Florio’s pick: Cardinals 20, Giants 17.
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Steelers at Texans
MDS’s take: The Steelers are still in contention for home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs, but they could also still drop behind the Jaguars for the No. 3 seed. Pittsburgh will be motivated and will play well.
MDS’s pick: Steelers 30, Texans 17.
Florio’s take: This one went from being an official Red Ryder, carbine-action 200-shot, range model air rifle, with a compass in the stock and this thing that tells time to a pile of reindeer pellets the moment Deshaun Watson’s ACL popped.
Florio’s pick: Steelers 27, Texans 10.
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Raiders at Eagles
MDS’s take: This one is hard to pick in advance because we don’t know if either team will have anything to play for: The Raiders might be mathematically eliminated from the playoffs before this game, and the Eagles might have home-field advantage throughout the playoffs wrapped up before this game. With that caveat aside, I like the better team to win at home.
MDS’s pick: Eagles 30, Raiders 20.
Florio’s take: Four years after Nick Foles threw seven touchdown passes and no interceptions against the Raiders, he gets a chance to do it again. He won’t need to do quite that much to nail down the win and the No. 1 seed.
Florio’s pick: Eagles 27, Raiders 23.
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https://www.sbnation.com/2017/12/20...rts-predictions-saints-falcons-patriots-bills
LAR/ LAR/ LAR/ LAR/ LAR/ LAR/ LAR/ LAR/ TEN
Only the computer picked the Titans. Stupid computer!
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http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2741764-chris-simms-week-16-nfl-picks
Los Angeles Rams at Tennessee Titans
When: Sunday at 1 p.m. ET (Fox), Nissan Stadium, Nashville, Tennessee
If the Los Angeles Rams can stop the Tennessee Titans' run game, they should win. Run defense is the only real weakness L.A. has shown, and running the ball is the only thing the Titans do really well.
However, the Rams have shown the ability to buckle down and slow the run when it's their primary goal. They usually struggle more when facing teams that are more pass-heavy because they cannot focus as much on just the one area. Tennessee's passing game isn't a major threat, so the focus should be on the run.
The Titans are a team going in the wrong direction. The Rams are a team that continues to get better. Their offense has too many weapons—Todd Gurley should be in the MVP conversation—and the defense is too good at rushing the passer and creating chaos up front. I don't trust Marcus Mariota to carry his team against L.A. at all.
Prediction: Rams 24, Titans 20
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http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2017/12/nfl_picks_vs_spread_week_16.html
Rams (-7) at Titans
The Rams can’t afford a letdown after their big win in Seattle. The Titans have lost two consecutive games but have won five straight at home. Titans score the upset to keep their playoff hopes alive. Titans 24, Rams 23
------------------------------------
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/features/writers/expert/picks/straight-up/16
---------------
http://www.nj.com/sports/index.ssf/2017/12/nfl_week_16_schedule_point_spreads_betting_lines_p.html
Los Angeles Rams (-6.5) at Tennessee Titans
There's plenty of reasons to like the Titans this week: Home, Rams traveling east for a 1 p.m. game, bounce-back after a tough loss in San Fran and the Rams coming off the high of knocking down the Seahawks. But I just don't know how the Titans keep up on the scoreboard all game. MY PICK: Titans.
------------
http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/new...awks-patriots-bills/itsyw9ghcwj71ekxj2xffqmj3
Los Angeles Rams (-7) at Tennessee Titans
Sunday 1 p.m., Fox
Another team from LA, another matchup lopsided in favor of the visitors. Jared Goff and Todd Gurley will be in great positions to succeed against the Tennessee defense, while the Titans don’t have the same rushing efficiency and firepower to get the better of the Rams’ defense.
PICK: Rams win 26-16 and cover the spread.
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https://www.si.com/nfl-expert-game-picks-peter-king-sports-illustrated-mmqb-staff
L.A. RAMS AT TENNESSEE
Week 16 TV Map
- By OldSchool
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 23 Replies
Well if you're on the west coast I got some good news for you. The rest of you well....
Chris Myers and the Moose.
http://506sports.com/
Chris Myers and the Moose.
http://506sports.com/
