The Los Angeles Rams looked like they were one of the most overrated teams the NFL had ever seen in their Week 1 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. The Rams traveled 17 time zones away to Melbourne, Australia to take on their division rivals. They were thoroughly whipped. Many of the league's top observers and so-called experts had predicted the Rams would be the best team in the NFL this season. They went into shock over the 27-7 defeat.
The Rams demonstrated that the flukish loss does not have anything to do with reality. They returned home for their Week 2 game against the New York Giants and punished John Harbaugh's team by a 28-6 margin. The biggest story to come out of the game was the brutal knee injury suffered by New York QB Jaxson Dart. However, the Rams responded with a sharp effort that saw quarterback Matthew Stafford throw for 327 yards with 4 touchdowns.
The dynamic offense was not the full story. The Rams defense limited the Giants to 182 yards and 11 first downs. The return of dominant defensive lineman Aaron Donald was too much for the visitors to overcome.
The defending AFC West champion Denver Broncos have also split their first two games of the season. They managed a 20-13 home victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2, but they were beaten handily by the resurgent Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1. It wasn't just a Kansas City win that featured the return of Patrick Mahomes. It was the size of the 31-10 blowout that was very troubling to head coach Sean Payton.
The Broncos will have the home field advantage in this game. However, the Rams look like a powerful opponent that is not likely to be intimidated by playing on the road against a good team in the Mile High environment.
Stafford will pierce the Broncos D with 250 yards and 2 TDs
There is a certain message that came with the Rams' embarrassing loss in Week 1. Head coach Sean McVay put the team in a vulnerable position by flying to Australia hours before the game. He did not give his players a chance to get over the extreme jet lag. The other message was that the Rams had used up quite a bit of their margin for error with one loss.
The Rams can certainly bounce back and become a playoff team. However, if the Rams are going to play to their potential and live up to the preseason hype, they have to turn up the intensity.
They did that in Week 2, and they can demonstrate their true talent level going forward. They will get a legitimate test as they face the Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills in their next three games.
Stafford had a brilliant connection with veteran wideout Davante Adams against the Giants. Adams caught 8 passes for 195 yards and 2 touchdowns. Tight end Terrance Ferguson also contributed 6-54-1 against the Giants.
Adams stepped up as top receiver Puka Nacua was unable to play with a groin/hip injury. Nacua did not practice Wednesday and his status against the Broncos has not been determined. The Rams certainly could benefit from a healthy Nacua against a solid Denver defense. However, Stafford and the Rams can find a formula for moving the ball and putting points on the board.
The running game with Kyren Williams (85 yards vs. Giants) and Blake Corum (79 yards) can also drive the offense. The passing game is the priority, but the ground attack is also formidable.
Nix will struggle with 150 passing yards and 2 picks against Rams
Bo Nix has been a surprisingly effective leader as the Broncos quarterback in his first two seasons. There is every reason to think that he will continue to grow and improve in Year 3.
Nix has not gotten off to an outstanding start. He has completed 39 of 59 passes for 419 yards with 2 TDs and 2 interceptions. Speedy Jaylen Waddle is the Broncos' top deep threat and he has caught 9-140 in his first two games.
Los Angeles cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson — both former Chiefs — have the ability to limit the Denver passing attack.
The most important aspect of the Rams defense will be its pass rush. The Rams have just 2.0 sacks so far, but once Donald returns to top form and Myles Garrett (knee, arthroscopic surgery) returns from his stint on Injured Reserve, the pass rush will be among the best the NFL has seen since the 2000 Baltimore Ravens.
In the interim, S Quentin Lake and LB Sam Landman will keep opponents like the Broncos in check. Lake has a team-high 17 tackles along with 6 passes defensed, 1 interception and 1 forced fumble. Landman has 15 tackles, 1 tackle for loss and 1 pass defensed.
Rams will overcome top effort by Broncos
There is no doubt that the Broncos want to impress a national television audience with a memorable performance against an excellent opponent.
The Rams may get pushed early in the game by a motivated team, but they are a special team that has already tasted defeat. They don't want that feeling again. Look for the Rams to take charge in the second half with a convincing road win.