Bold predictions for the conference championship weekend

NFL Conference Championship bold predictions

2. Rams rout the 49ers

Even though the Rams have been the better team overall the past few seasons, the 49ers have won 6 straight games against Los Angeles.

That changes on Sunday.

For whatever reason, the 49ers have had the Rams’ number for a few years, but I think the Rams change that on Sunday. After a second-half collapse, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers tied it up with little time remaining.

What looked like a huge Rams collapse soon turned into a last-second win, as Matthew Stafford hit Cooper Kupp for a 44 yard gain to set up a winning field goal.

Matthew Stafford has brought a different element to the team, one that former quarterback Jared Goff didn’t have. Anything can happen on any given day in the NFL, so why can’t the Rams break their streak on Sunday?

I don’t think anyone expected the Bengals to be where they are, so why can’t the Rams win another game at home?

Truthfully, I have no other basis in this bold prediction other than I like Matthew Stafford and the Rams more.  They’re a more talented team and have beaten up on stronger competition.  I like their quarterback, receivers, and defense more than I do the 49ers.

In the NFL, when it gets late in the season, games can sometimes be decided by who is healthier, or who wants it more.

The 49ers have tasted the Super Bowl before; they were in it two years ago.

However, many key Rams players haven’t, or haven’t been there in a while, so I think the Rams will want it more than the 49ers.

I also trust Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford more than I do Kyle Shanahan and Jimmy Garoppolo.

Whatever ends up happening, the NFL is set to put out another excellent product next weekend.