As an Eagles fan, I had to dry my tears before I could get down to the business of writing about the NFC Championship game this upcoming weekend.

NFC Championship Game

Los Angeles Rams v. New Orleans Saints

January 20, 2019

The Superdome is one of the toughest places to play for the visiting team. The Rams know this all too well. In Week 9, the Rams suffered their first defeat of the season at the hands of Drew Brees and one of the best offenses in the league. Drew Brees passed for 340+ yards and 4 touchdowns, Alvin Kamara joined Jim Brown as one of the only players younger than 23 to have 3 touchdowns in 3 games and Michael Thomas’ 72-yd touchdown reception sealed the deal.

Jared Goff is not without weapons on the offensive side. The backfield duo, Todd Gurley and CJ Anderson, combined for 273 yards rushing, a franchise playoff record in the Rams win over the Dallas Cowboys. Although the Ram’s passing game has missed Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods and Brandin Cooks have both contributed to the success of the offense without Kupp. In their last meeting, Brandin Cooks, former Saint, had a solid 6 receptions for 100+ yards and Robert Woods has been Goff’s most reliable target throughout the season.

Both offenses have the ability to put points up but, defense will most definitely be the difference maker in this game. The Saints defense will be without defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins and the Rams front trifecta of Ndamukong Suh, Aaron Donald and Michael Brockers are going to make it difficult for a run game to be established. Also to note is that Aqib Talib did not play in the previous meeting but, will be on the field this Sunday.