Week 9 Seattle Seahawks vs. Los Angeles Rams Game Preview

The Seahawks (4-4) face off against the Rams (3-4) as the NFC West race is a tossup halfway through the NFL season. The Seahawks got routed in their last game by Buffalo 31-10 and played extremely poorly in every phase of the game. The Rams are coming off a much-needed victory over the Minnesota Vikings 30-20 on Thursday Night Football. This should be an interesting game at Lumen Field, and it will be interesting to see how it plays out. 

Seahawks Keys to Victory

The Seahawks’ current strengths lie in their potent running game and the playmaking ability of Geno Smith, who can effectively manage the offense and make crucial throws when needed. With emerging talents like JSN who desperately needs to show up big on Sunday, the passing game can become more dynamic if they can establish a solid run game first. On the defensive side, the edge rushers, particularly Derick Hall and Boye Mafe, have shown promise in generating pressure, but converting that pressure into sacks will be key to their success.

The Seahawks matchup against the Rams with a focus on controlling the ground game, as Los Angeles has struggled against the run this season. If Seattle can establish a strong rushing attack, it will help open up passing opportunities for Geno Smith and allow JSN to exploit mismatches in the secondary. Defensively, the Seahawks’ edge rushers, like Derick Hall and Boye Mafe, will need to apply consistent pressure on Matthew Stafford as well as disrupt Kyren Williams to alter the Rams’ rhythm. The most important part for this defense though will be containing Kyren Williams. If Seattle cannot contain him, they will lose this game.

X-Factor: Kenneth Walker. Walker has been extremely effective in most of his games this year and Seattle should lean more on the running game in this contest without their number 1 receiver. 

Rams Keys to Victory

The Rams’ strengths lie in their passing attack led by Matthew Stafford, who is capable of making precise throws to talented receivers like Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua. Their defensive line is another key asset, generating pressure and creating havoc for opposing quarterbacks. If they can establish a successful run game, it will not only help control the clock but also create favorable passing situations. Currently, the Rams are working to find consistency on both sides of the ball, aiming to exploit weaknesses in opposing defenses while solidifying their own against the run.

If the Rams can solidify their run game in this game spearheaded by star Kyren Williams, they will run away with this game. Seattle’s rush defense has been horrific as of late and it has cost them games recently. The Rams matchup against the Seahawks by aiming to exploit Seattle’s run defense, which has shown vulnerability at all times this year. If they can establish a strong running game, it will open up opportunities for Stafford to connect with his playmakers in the passing game. Additionally, the Rams’ defensive line will look to pressure Geno Smith and disrupt his rhythm, taking advantage of an abysmal Seattle’s offensive line.

X-Factor: Kyren Williams. Williams has scored in every single contest this year for the Rams, and I don’t see this changing with how the Seattle rush defense has been playing as of late. 

Predictions

Honestly, this game can go either way. I think both teams’ matchup evenly and it will be a fairly eventful game. Los Angeles has gotten the best of Seattle recently winning both matchups last year, but I think this contest goes Seattle’s way. Los Angeles is coming off a huge win while Seattle is coming off a very upsetting loss and I think Seattle comes into the game hungry, playing all phases of the game solidly. I think the biggest thing that will work for Seattle is the run game. I think Kenneth Walker finally gets going in this game ultimately leading to a Seahawks victory.

Best Bets

Anytime TD Scorer- Kyren Williams at -250

Anytime TD Scorer- Kenneth Walker at -120

Over Rushing Yards- Kyren Williams over 93.5 at -110

Under Passing Yards- Geno Smith under 251.5 at -115

For an in-depth breakdown of the Seahawks and Rams matchup checkout this YouTube video