An intriguing match-up between two teams that seemed evenly matched on paper quickly turned into a beatdown, as the Los Angeles Rams handily defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in primetime on Sunday. Here’s how the Rams were able to dominate the Bucs and move to 9-2 heading into the final stretch of the NFL season.
Matt Stafford Solidifies MVP Case With Efficient Night
Coming into the game, FanDuel Sportsbook had Rams star Quarterback Matthew Stafford ranked as the favorite to win the NFL MVP award. Shortly after the game started, Stafford quickly proved why he should be the favorite. The former Super Bowl champion sliced up the Bucs’ stout defense throughout the night, passing for 273 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Those yards were helped out by stellar performances from Rams star receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. Nacua led the way in the receiving yards department with 97 yards on the night, with Adams adding in 62 yards and a pair of touchdown catches to boot.
Buccaneers Injuries Reach Breaking Point In Loss
It’s nothing new for the Buccaneers to continue to see their injury list pile up with each passing game this season, but Tampa Bay suffered one injury that could potentially derail their season. Bucs star Quarterback Baker Mayfield exited the game at halftime due to a left shoulder injury and did not return in the second half.
Tampa Bay has not yet announced the severity of Mayfield’s injury, but the team can’t afford to lose Mayfield’s service in this crucial part of the season. While the Bucs have one of the NFL’s most experienced and fairly capable backup quarterbacks in Teddy Bridgewater, a lengthy absence from Mayfield could spell doom for their season.
Rams Move Into the NFC’s Top Seed
It was the perfect Sunday if you’re a Los Angeles Rams fan, as the team moved into the NFC’s 1st seed for the first time this season. Another plus for the Rams now that they sit in the first seed is the fact that their remaining schedule remains fairly light. While the Rams will still have to get through two very good teams in the Detroit Lions and Seattle Seahawks next month, they still sit firmly in the driver’s seat for the NFC’s top seed.
As for the Buccaneers, this third straight loss has put them in a tie for first place in the NFC South with a surging Carolina Panthers team. This latest loss, combined with a potential serious injury to Mayfield, could see their season end on a sour note. However, with one of the easiest remaining schedules left in the NFL, there is at least a glimmer of hope at winning the division if Mayfield’s injury proves to be minor.
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