Can Aaron Donald and Von Miller dominate?

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For the third time in two seasons, the Los Angeles Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers will face off. But as we preview this game, will the result be different this time around, or will we see another repeat? Let’s review some of the key elements of this Rams vs. Buccaneers before making a prediction of how it will happen on Sunday.

Los Angeles Rams vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Preview

Since Tom Brady arrived in Tampa Bay, the Rams and Buccaneers have faced off twice in two seasons. The Rams are both leading and will enter this game with great confidence. However, it can be hard to beat the same team twice a year – just ask the Packers.

The Buccaneers and Rams have combined to win 12 of 14 since Week 13. Both teams will enter this game because they know a win will host the NFC Championship Game. For the Rams, they also know that a win here gives them the chance to host the next two games, with Super Bowl 56 set to be played at SoFi Stadium. Let’s preview the key elements for the Rams and Buccaneers and make a prediction for how the game will play out.

Does the Rams have a key ingredient to beat Tom Brady?

The advice on how to beat Tom Brady is no secret at this point. When asked how you defeated Brady, most people will say pressure in the middle. Los Angeles has the perfect option to execute that plan with Aaron Donald. LA’s defensive tackle has always been minimal, and even if he doesn’t himself appear on the stat sheet, his presence opens things up for others.

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The Buccaneers will be worried that C Ryan Jensen has only been able to practice once this week (in a limited way). Jensen left the game against the Eagles with an ankle injury but came back. However, he did not participate in training on Wednesday or Thursday and was listed as questionable heading into the game. If he is limited, that will put serious pressure on guards Alex Cappa and Ali Marpet to help him with Donald.

Offensive line injuries came at the worst time for the Buccaneers

There’s no good time to have injuries on the offensive line, but dealing with the Rams can be the worst. Not only do they have Donald rushing to the passer in the middle, but they also have Von Miller coming out on the side. After recovering from the Broncos midseason, Miller took four games to continue. However, he finished the season with 5 sacks in the last four games. He added one last week against the Cardinals.

The problem for Tampa Bay is that Tristan Wirfs is also limited this week in training. He was listed as a non-participant with an ankle injury on Wednesday and Thursday, but he was able to return in a limited way on Friday. He enters game day listed as questionable. His movement and ability to stay on the field is key, especially if Marpet and Cappa have to support Jensen in the middle. The Wirfs were easily on an island all day against Miller.

Jalen Ramsey’s role will be fascinating

It will be intriguing to see how the Rams line up in their secondary against Mike Evans this week. With Chris Godwin injured and Antonio Brown missing from the team, the Buccaneers went from having one of the strongest receiving trios in the league to having a serious question mark in position.

The loss of two players allows the Rams to shadow Evans to Ramsey. If they make that decision, Brady will probably have no choice but to challenge Ramsey multiple times in this game. It will be hard for the Buccaneers to win this game just by throwing the ball to their other receivers and using Evans as a flirt. The first snaps where Ramsey and Evans line up against each other could dictate the day Brady throws the ball.

In the first game this season, Ramsey allowed 8 completions on 12 targets but gave up only 7.4 yards per completion. He gave a passer rating against 78.1 and was also used to put pressure on Brady, blitting four times and forcing Brady to hurry twice.

If the Rams decide to use Ramsey in a different way, they have luxury because of Darious Williams. The young CB is a real find for the Rams, but he has struggled more this season. Williams allowed a 95.8 passer rating against, including giving up 4 touchdowns. If the Rams are confident sometimes that Williams is covering Evans, it will open up Ramsey to be used in the blitz or even go inside to give some coverage to TE Rob Gronkowski.

Rams vs. Buccaneers betting line at game prediction Spread: Buccaneers -2.5 (Odds courtesy of DraftKings) Moneyline: Rams +125; Buccaneers -145 Total: 48

A big part of the Buccaneers ’play is the“ mystique ”of Brady’s play. However, the Rams are none of that after winning their last two games against this team where Brady is at the bottom. Additionally, Donald and Miller will be chopped up with their chops at the chance to battle potentially limited versions of Jensen and Wirfs.

The outcome of this game will likely depend on the battle between the Buccaneers ’offense and the Rams’ defense. If the Rams ’offense plays at its level, they can score between 20-30 points. The question for the Buccaneers is will they get into the high 20s, or will the Rams tighten them to somewhere around 24 points?

The Rams ’offense was almost flawless against the Cardinals last week. However, we know that is not always the case. The absence of Andrew Whitworth again is a concern. When Matthew Stafford is under pressure, he can make hasty decisions and mistakes. If the offensive line can give him time, he should choose the Buccaneers ’secondary. However, we saw in the Super Bowl last year how dangerous this Buccaneers defense is when an offensive line is compromised.

It’s like another game up close where you take on the underdog to get points. We saw two distresses on Saturday, and there’s a real chance we’ll see both again to start Sunday.

Rams vs. Buccaneers Prediction: Rams 27, Buccaneers 24

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