Redskins vs. Rams: Preview, score prediction for Week 2

Washington Redskins vs. Los Angeles Rams

The Washington Redskins head west this weekend for a Week 2 matchup with the Los Angeles Rams. It’s also a reunion of sorts for Sean McVay, the Rams new head coach, as he came to Los Angeles after spending the previous seven seasons with the Redskins. The Rams won their season-opener, 46-9, over a dreadful Indianapolis Colts team minus Andrew Luck. Washington, meanwhile, looked like a team still in preseason-mode in its loss to Philadelphia.

Now, this becomes an important game for the Redskins who, after this game, face Oakland and Kansas City in back-to-back weeks. The Redskins need a win this week. Quarterback Kirk Cousins had a tough Week 1, completing 23-of-40 passes for 240 and one interception. He also fumbled twice, one of which was returned for a touchdown. It’s imperative for Washington that Cousins take care of the football and play better. If he doesn’t, that puts more pressure on a defense that, while improved, is still not an elite unit.

For the Rams, Jared Goff was the antithesis of Cousins in Week 1. He was poised, took care of the football and looked like he belonged. It was easily his best start in his brief NFL career.

Quarterback play will be a determining factor in this game. If Cousins plays well, that means Washington’s weapons are likely having a strong game. For Goff, it’s about building off last week. If he does, the Redskins are in trouble. Let’s take a look at the keys to victory for each team and follow it up with a prediction.

Redskins Keys to Victory

Offensive balance is crucial for the Redskins. They couldn’t run the ball in Week 1 and abandoned the run in the second half. Head coach Jay Gruden needs to find that balance against the Rams. If things aren’t going so well on the ground, he needs to stick with it or the play-action game becomes irrelevant. Big things happen in the passing game for Washington if the play-action game is clicking. This could — and should — mean more of Chris Thompson.

The defense must stuff Todd Gurley and make McVay abandon the run. While he was in Washington, much like his mentor Gruden, McVay would also abandon the run if it wasn’t working early. That would play right into the hands of Redskins defensive coordinator Greg Manusky. Washington did a good job of pressuring Carson Wentz in the opener and the Eagles have a much better offensive line than the Rams. If the Rams are one-dimensional, players like Ryan Kerrigan, Junior Galette and Preston Smith could all be in line for big days.

Rams Keys to Victory

It’s all about Goff. If he makes Washington respect the passing game, Gurley will find room to run. That’s important for McVay. However, if he sees a ton of pressure early, he will make mistakes. McVay will scheme ways to help Goff get rid of the ball quickly.

Defensively, Aaron Donald returns this week to the Rams after the team had an outstanding Week 1 on that side of the ball. He looked terrific in practice this week and should be in line to see plenty of action for Los Angeles. That’s big news for Wade Phillips who shouldn’t have to blitz as much with Donald back, although Phillips loves to blitz.

If the Rams get consistent pressure on Cousins early, it will rattle him. McVay knows this better than anyone. Expect the Rams to come at him early and often and from all angles.

Odds

Point Spread: Los Angeles -2.5
Moneyline: Los Angeles -145, Washington +125
Over/Under: 46.0

Odds from Bet365 via Sportsbook Review

Next: NFL 2017: Picks against the spread for Week 2

Prediction

Before the season you would’ve probably marked this down in the ‘W’ column for the Skins. That’s why the games are played on the field. This game will be close and competitive with multiple lead changes. Who needs this game more? The Redskins. That’s why Gruden will devise a gameplan with plenty of stuff in the short passing game for Cousins. Jordan Reed and Jamison Crowder will be more involved and that will help the Redskins come out with tough, much-needed road win.

Final Score: Washington Redskins: 27, Los Angeles Rams: 23

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