Maybe it's just wishful thinking but this matchup looks like Bama vs Clemson. Clemson had a dominant DL and was able to slow the Bama run game and pressured Tua in a way he never felt.
The Pats have become a power run team. You need to stuff that run and bump the WRs to disrupt the timing. With Suh and Donald at DT, the Rams can control the line and also bring pressure up the middle.
Brady is much less effective when he has to move off his spot. The only way that happens is you first have to take away that quick throw by bumping the WRs and then you need quick pressure up the middle. The Rams have the CBs and DTs to do it.
How healthy is Gurley? That's a huge factor because the Pats can't really cover him as a receiver. He also adds in some big play runs.
The Pats defense is pretty simple. They feast on complicated offenses that rely on tricking opponents. The Pats just try to take away your plan A whatever that is. Half the teams in the league can't do **** if their Plan A doesn't work.
In coverage, the Pats usually put their best coverage guy on the #2 WRs then they use multiple DBs to bracket the #1. The effect is the QBs first 2 reads are often covered or at least a tough throw. Most QBs hold the ball and it gives time for a sack.
Similar to the Eagles, the Rams offense isn't really designed to go to particular players. It's actually pretty simple with pre snap reads that McVey often makes for Goff because they get to the line quick enough that the radio is still on. Then once the ball is snapped, Goff usually just has 1 read that tells him where to go.
The result is the Rams really don't have a #1 guy. I expect the Pats will play man on Robert Woods and then bracket Cooks. This is why Gurley could be huge. If he's healthy, Gurley could have a big day as a receiver with good matchups.
The Rams really miss Cooper Kupp who probably would have feasted against the Pats defense. Josh Reynolds has stepped in as the #3 WR and slot guy. He's a decent player but he's not Kupp.
Rams also have 2 decent TEs in Higbee and Everett. They do have options to be the 3rd read.
I have a feeling this will be a lower scoring game than most think with lots of rushing attempts on both sides.
The Rams should win this game. They have a good matchup. But they've never been in a game like this. They started slow against the Saints in the NFCC. If they get off to a slow start vs the Pats, it could be a killer.
Rams 24
Pats 20