The highly anticipated clash between the Los Angeles Rams and the New Orleans Saints is set to ignite the gridiron this Sunday. This isn’t just another game; it’s a high-stakes playoff battle with Super Bowl aspirations hanging in the balance. For fans eager to witness this epic encounter, the burning question is: where to watch the Los Angeles Rams vs. New Orleans Saints game?
Before we dive into how you can catch all the action, let’s set the stage for this pivotal NFC showdown. These two powerhouses have already clashed twice this season, adding layers of intrigue to this third meeting. The Saints dominated a preseason game, and then secured a hard-fought 45-35 victory in Week 9 during the regular season. The Rams, hungry for revenge, are determined to flip the script this time around and advance closer to the Super Bowl.
This game promises to be a chess match of strategy and execution, packed with star power on both sides. To truly appreciate every play, every tackle, and every touchdown, knowing where to watch the Los Angeles Rams vs. New Orleans Saints is paramount. So, let’s delve into the key matchups that will dictate the flow of the game, and then we’ll provide you with the essential viewing information.
Cornerbacks Aqib Talib and Marcus Peters vs. Wide Receiver Michael Thomas
The Rams’ secondary faces a monumental challenge in containing Michael Thomas, the Saints’ exceptional wide receiver. Thomas was a force of nature in their previous regular-season matchup, racking up an astounding 12 receptions for 211 yards and a touchdown. His remarkable 2018 season saw him haul in 125 catches with an incredible 85% catch rate. However, this time, the Rams have a key weapon of their own: a healthy Aqib Talib. Talib’s physical style and experience are well-suited to matchup against a receiver of Thomas’ caliber. The performance of Marcus Peters, who struggled in their first encounter, is also crucial. This cornerback versus wide receiver duel is poised to be a captivating battle within the larger war.
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Wide Receiver Brandin Cooks vs. Cornerback Marshon Lattimore
Brandin Cooks, now a key weapon for the Rams, enjoyed a successful return to New Orleans in Week 9, catching six passes for 112 yards and a touchdown against his former team. This week, he’s likely to be shadowed by Marshon Lattimore, the Saints’ premier cornerback. Lattimore often draws the assignment of covering opposing teams’ top receivers, and after Cooks’ previous performance, he’s expected to be a primary focus. Cooks, along with fellow Rams receiver Robert Woods, must utilize their speed and route-running skills to create separation and provide clear throwing lanes for quarterback Jared Goff.
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Running Backs Todd Gurley and C.J. Anderson vs. Saints Front Seven
The Rams’ ground game, spearheaded by the dynamic duo of Todd Gurley and C.J. Anderson, has emerged as a dominant force in the playoffs. Last week against the Dallas Cowboys, considered a top rushing defense, they combined for an impressive 238 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 39 carries. While the Saints defense is formidable, they are arguably a step below the Cowboys in run stopping prowess. The Rams’ potent rushing attack adds a crucial dimension to their offense, forcing defenses to respect both the run and the pass. The Saints’ defensive front will need to be prepared for a multifaceted attack, balancing the Rams’ explosive passing game with their powerful ground game.
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Rams Offensive Line vs. Saints Defensive Line
The Rams’ offensive line is widely regarded as one of the league’s elite units. Their consistent excellence in both pass protection and run blocking is the engine that drives the Rams’ offense. When quarterback Jared Goff has a clean pocket, he can be virtually unstoppable. Their run-blocking prowess was clearly on display against Dallas. In their previous matchup against the Saints, Goff remained un-sacked, and the Rams rushing attack surpassed 100 yards. The Saints’ defensive line, led by Cameron Jordan, will be a significant challenge. The absence of Sheldon Rankins due to injury is a blow to the Saints’ defensive front, although rookie Marcus Davenport has the potential to be a disruptive force.
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Inside Linebackers Cory Littleton and Mark Barron vs. Running Back Alvin Kamara
Alvin Kamara presents a major headache for opposing defenses, and the Rams are no exception. In Week 9, Kamara gashed the Rams for 82 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries, while also adding four receptions for 34 yards and another score. The Rams tried various coverage schemes, including Cory Littleton, Mark Barron, and even safety Lamarcus Joyner, but none proved effective in containing Kamara. The Rams might consider employing a strategy similar to the Cowboys, utilizing a defensive back in man coverage against Kamara to limit his impact out of the backfield.
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Defensive Tackles Aaron Donald and Ndamukong Suh vs. Offensive Guards Andrus Peat and Larry Warford
Aaron Donald, as always, was a disruptive force in the first matchup, recording a tackle for loss, four quarterback hits, a pass deflection, and a fumble recovery. However, neither Donald nor Ndamukong Suh registered a sack in that game, something they will aim to rectify in this playoff encounter. Andrus Peat struggled against the Philadelphia Eagles in the previous week, reportedly playing with a broken hand. Conversely, Ndamukong Suh arguably delivered his best performance as a Ram in the same game, setting the stage for an intriguing interior line battle.
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Quarterback Jared Goff vs. Saints Secondary
Jared Goff had a stellar performance against the Saints’ secondary in their first meeting, completing 28 of 40 passes for 391 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. The interception was a remarkable play by linebacker Alex Anzalone, rather than a glaring error by Goff. Interestingly, Goff has consistently performed well against the Saints throughout his career, amassing impressive numbers in three games against them. He’s completed 76 of 115 attempts for 959 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and three interceptions, indicating a level of comfort and success against this particular opponent.
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This NFC Championship game is poised to be a nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat thriller. The Rams and Saints, two of the NFL’s best, are battling for a coveted spot in the Super Bowl. Don’t miss a single moment of this crucial playoff clash!
