Preview
With the potential to be the game of the year, the Rams and Chiefs are set to square off at the LA Memorial Coliseum with field concerns revolving around Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. The Chiefs and Rams are the leagues 2nd and 3rd ranked offenses this season, and as a result Vegas is expecting an explosive show, awarding the game an over-under of 64.5. This marks the game as the highest projected score in 30 years. They are breaking records before even stepping on the field in a game that will have lasting implications on home field advantage throughout the playoffs. LAR and KC currently sit at the top of the food chain with the best record in the NFL, but one team is certain to fall in what will certainly be the best game of week 11 on Monday Night Football. Be sure to stay awake for this; you won’t regret it.
Players to watch
The Chiefs offense contains some of the most explosive weapons in the game, and their quarterback Patrick Mahomes is at the forefront. Currently on pace for 49 passing touchdowns on the year, his supporting cast of Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce make up one of the most dominant pass catching duos in the league. After a slow start during the first month of the season, Kareem Hunt has found his legs as one of the most physical runners in the league. Although the Chiefs defense has been on the wrong side of spectacular, their pass rush is ranked among the league's elite. Justin Houston and Dee Ford will need to put pressure on Jared Goff in order to slow down the Rams offense. Los Angeles boasts a top-five offensive line and will attempt to slow down the chiefs defensive strength. Todd Gurley is on Offensive Player of the Year watch, and is currently on pace for 27 total touchdowns. He will have a chance to increase that projected total against the Chiefs 25th-ranked run defense, which is currently allowing 5.1 yards per carry and 12 touchdowns to opposing teams on the ground.
Keys to the game
Kansas City Chiefs
Take Care of the Ball
Control the Clock
Reach Jared Goff’s Drop Point
Los Angeles Rams
Feed Todd Gurley
Win the Turnover Battle
Keep Jared Goff Clean
Injury list
Kansas City Chiefs
Eric Berry, S - Heel (Doubtful)
Mitch Morse, C - Concussion (Out)
Sammy Watkins, WR - Foot (Questionable)
Los Angeles Rams
Cooper Kupp, WR - ACL (Injured Reserve)
Top 5 Fantasy Players
Patrick Mahomes, QB (KC)
Jared Goff, QB (LAR)
Todd Gurley, RB (LAR)
Tyreek Hill, WR (KC)
Kareem Hunt, RB (KC)
Prediction
This is going to be the game of the week for a reason, and could be a preview of the 2018-19 Super Bowl. Two of the most potent offenses in the league will clash, and there will not be a dry second within this matchup as result. Although it will very likely come down to the final possession, I believe the Rams will pull ahead, forcing a comeback attempt from the Chiefs in the final minutes of regulation. Although they have silenced all the doubters, it is the LA fans at the Coliseum that will make the difference in this contest, causing KC to come up just short of a victory.
Final Score: Rams 38, Chiefs 33
Written by: Jason Feiner