Rams vs. Falcons: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Time and Predictions
By Chris Roling
Sep 8, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) walks to the sidelines after a quick set of down against the New Orleans Saints during the third quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Rams vs. Falcons is here at St. Louis and quarterback Sam Bradford travel to Atlanta to take on a Falcons team looking to rebound from a Week 1 defeat at the hands of the New Orleans Saints.
St. Louis found new weapons last week and ended up beating up on the Arizona Cardinals, but it’s a much tougher task to travel on the road and take on a team as talented as the Falcons.
Here is everything fans need to know about the matchup.
Where: Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia.
When: September 15, 2013, 1:00 PM ET
Watch: FOX
Live Stream: NFL Sunday Ticket, Game Rewind
Rams Player to Watch: Jared Cook
Sep 8, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams tight end Jared Cook (89) celebrates after defeating the Arizona Cardinals at Edward Jones Dome. St. Louis defeated Arizona 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Last week new Rams tight end Jared Cook exploded onto the scene and was the highest targeted player on the offense while going for over 100 yards and scoring twice — which would have been three times had he not fumbled the ball while going into the endzone.
Now it’s important to figure out whether Cook’s game was a fluke or not. The Falcons seriously struggled containing Jimmy Graham a week ago, so we’ll find out in a hurry.
Falcons Player to Watch: Steven Jackson
Sep 8, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints strong safety Roman Harper (41) tackles Atlanta Falcons running back Steven Jackson (39) during the second half of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints defeated the Falcons 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Perhaps the biggest move of the offseason in Atlanta was bringing on former Rams’ back Steven Jackson, who was mostly ineffective last week because the team decided to stop using him.
It’ll be interesting to see if the Falcons use him more this week, especially since he should be extra motivated to go against his old team. If Jackson can look like the battering ram of old, St. Louis could have a problem on its hands.
Matchup to Watch: Falcons Running game vs. Rams Defense
Aug 29, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Steven Jackson (39) runs off the field before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
In recent years the Rams have had little issue shutting down the run, but that could change in Atlanta with the defense having to give so much attention to the passing game. A lot of that comes down to if Roddy White and Julio Jones are healthy, but either way Matt Ryan is going to play well.
If the Rams can stop the run they have a much better chance of pulling off the upset. If not, this one could get ugly.
Prediction
Sep 8, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford (8) celebrates after running in to the end zone for a two point conversion against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at Edward Jones Dome. St. Louis defeated Arizona 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
It’s hard to bet against the Falcons at home, especially with their backs against a wall with a potential 0-2 defecit.
We’ll do it anyway.
St. Louis is one of the most well-rounded teams in the NFL with a shutdown defense, a good-enough rushing attack and some outstanding weapons through the air. The Rams should be more physical and will wind up stealing a victory on the road.
St. Louis 28, Atlanta 24.