The Los Angeles Rams take on the Buffalo Bills tonight, and for a contest that promises fireworks, these five predictions might be mild compared to what goes down at SoFi Stadium. Here's a glimpse into the future for the end of Week 5.
Stafford outduels Allen again
The last time the Rams played the Bills, quarterback Josh Allen scored six touchdowns and it still wasn't enough as Los Angeles emerged with the victory. The reason was Matthew Stafford. Despite his struggles, Stafford turned it on for the contest, and with this game being in prime time, the MVP will look to shine once again.
It's no exaggeration to say this game will have an impact on the MVP race. Allen has looked excellent; Kenneth Walker is a running back, so he'll have to settle for Offensive Player of the Year,
unless Jaxon Smith-Njigba wins it again, while Stafford is one good performance away from reminding everyone who he is.
Stafford goes for over 275 passing yards and three touchdowns, tossing zero interceptions in a last-second win.
Williams breaks 100
65, 97, 158, 147. Those are the yards Kyren Williams has put up in his four games this season, quickly turning into the dual-threat back that Sean McVay's offense has lacked since Todd Gurley. He's looked great on the ground, confirming his role as RB1, with Blake Corum having the lowest number of carries he's had all season last week.
Expect more of the same, with Williams totaling at least 100 total yards. I think he gets over 110.
Puka. Puka. Puka.
The last time the Rams played the Bills, their win was predicated on Puka Nacua being the target Stafford needed all day long. His 14 targets led to an amazing 12 catches for 162 yards and one touchdown. He also had 16 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown.
This time, at least 15 targets, 13 catches for 200 yards and 15 rushing yards minimum. Two touchdowns. He'll be a YAC monster.
Lake gets his second pick of the year
Quentin Lake has been excellent all season, and with Allen's propensity to target the middle of the field and his struggles against the blitz, Lake feels like a player primed to come up with an interception.
Lake understands depth very well, and his blitzing ability allows defensive coordinator Chris Shula to mirror and mask coverages and pass rushes. Allen loves to test the air; his trusted targets run through Lake's typical air space. All it takes is one play. Look for Lake to secure one of Allen's rocketballs.
BY once again
Byron Young put the NFL on notice last week with his 2.5 sacks, and he's tired of the lack of recognition. Despite being a Pro Bowler, Young has never been viewed as a dominant pass-rushing threat, even though his numbers mirrors the NFL's most celebrated defenders.
The Bills' protection plan is predicated on stopping Aaron Donald. Young has the speed to corral Allen, the strength to defeat his matchup, and the skill to finish plays.
Allen will be hard to sack, but Young's pressure will be noticeable. Expect at least three QB hits and one sack from the fourth-year player.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: 5 bold predictions for Rams vs. Bills
