Rams vs. Seahawks: 5 Bold predictions for Wild Card playoff matchup

Bold predictions for Rams vs. Seahawks in the Wild Card Round of the 2021 NFL Playoffs.

Throughout the unprecedented six-game Wild Card Weekend slate of the 2021 NFL Playoffs, there are a number of familiar foes that will be facing off. Perhaps none are as familiar with one another, though, as the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks, two NFC West foes that meet at CenturyLink Field on Saturday as the matchup between the No. 6 and 3 seeds, respectively.

The visiting Rams come into this matchup with their backs a bit against the wall as quarterback Jared Goff is less than two weeks removed from thumb surgery which will either keep him out or limit his effectiveness. Subsequently, Los Angeles will likely be relying on their defense and rushing attack to take care of business against Russell Wilson and Co.

With the intimate knowledge of each other as divisional foes, these two teams are in for a fierce Wild Card Round battle. And we have five bold predictions for the Rams vs. Seahawks matchup on Saturday.

5. Donald, Ramsey cause tons of problems

It’s no coincidence that the Seahawks offense, regarded as one of the more potent units in the league, has struggled by comparison in the two regular-season matchups against the Rams. Yes, familiarity plays a factor but the presence of two superstars in Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey has been felt.

Russell Wilson has gone just 42-of-69 for only 473 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions over that span. While he’ll rise to the occasion for the playoffs, expect the Los Angeles playmakers to show up again in a matchup they’re prepared for and limit the Seattle offense.

4. Metcalf, Lockett both get under 50 yards for Seahawks

Speaking to the prowess of the LA defense and what they’ll do in the Wild Card matchup on Saturday, Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf were stonewalled by their standards as well in the two regular-season contests. The former combined for just eight catches on 14 targets with 110 yards while the latter totaled eight catches on 12 targets for just 87 yards. Neither player scored. And on Saturday, that won’t change as both players will be held under 50 yards receiving in the game.

3. Rams offense buoyed by Akers as a dual-threat

Cam Akers took some time to establish himself as the lead back in the Los Angeles offense but he’s clearly in that role now, taking 21 carries in Week 17 while also getting four of the five passing targets that were thrown to running backs. And with the talent of the rookie, he’s going to make an impact.

For as good as the Seahawks linebackers are, they can struggle when defending backs who have the juice Akers possesses. With some great designs from Sean McVay, expect Akers to get another heavy workload and find a great deal of success to carry the offense.

2. Seattle forces multiple turnovers from Wolford/Goff

The presence of Akers will be huge for the Rams offense because the Seahawks should be able to limit the quarterbacks in this game. Whether it’s a less-than-100-percent Goff or Wolford making his second NFL start, neither player is in a favorable spot. They’ll be asked to make some plays and, though the Seattle defense has been taken advantage of at times, they’ll be ready for playoff football and will force the LA quarterbacks into multiple turnovers on the day.

1. Rams topple Seahawks in upset effort

You could make the case that both of these teams are better known for their offense and, as such, you might think this game should be a high-scoring affair. It won’t be, though. The Los Angeles defense will put the clamps on the Seattle offense while the Rams quarterback issues will slow down the offense enough.

But if we’re looking at a potential defensive struggle, the advantage clearly goes to the lower-seeded team in this matchup. They have the better playmakers and the better track record on that side of the ball this season, which will ultimately push the Rams into the Divisional Round.