One star in Los Angeles is preparing to say goodbye…
and one in Texas is hoping to make a big leap starting tonight.
Rebooting Rams?
What Happened: Despite a 10-6 record in 2020, his fourth winning season in four tries, Rams head coach Sean McVay knew his team was lacking. Change was needed.
We all know how that went. The team moved on from Jared Goff to Matthew Stafford for the 2021 season, and it ended with a trophy lift in its home stadium.
Now, sitting at 2-4 and prepping to face a 5-1 Vikings team that is set to avenge its first loss of the season, it feels like the Rams might start updating their identity again.
Why It Matters: Rumors are already swirling that Cooper Kupp might be playing his last game in a Rams uniform tonight. The team’s 13% chance to make the playoffs this season probably means that McVay and Les Snead should be open for business ahead of the November 5th trade deadline.
If it’s true that L.A. is ready to accept the highest bid for Kupp’s services, wouldn’t sending him out on a high note benefit all here?
Think about it; if a team such as the Steelers wants to add Kupp to its receiving ranks, and sees him go off for, oh, say a vintage 9-120 and a touchdown tonight, wouldn’t the price maybe inch up a bit?
Perhaps the Rams are ready to tear this thing down with an eye on 2025. But the best way to go about that might be to build Cooper Kupp back up in the meantime.
What We’re Watching Today
Vikings at Rams (8:15 PM ET) – Minnesota’s first loss last Sunday was also its first time failing to cover the spread in 2024. The Vikes have been favorites by 2.5 or fewer points three times this season, covering against the Giants and Jets (hello New York football!) before losing against Detroit last week as a single point favorite. Despite being on the road, Sam Darnold and the boys are giving three points tonight.
Spurs at Mavericks (7:30 PM ET)
Thunder at Nuggets (10:00 PM ET) – Three of the final four teams from last season’s Western Conference playoffs are in action tonight. The Spurs have the most intriguing player in the league in Victor Wembanyama, but only managed 22 wins in his rookie season. Forget making noise; can San Antonio make an appearance in the play-in tournament at least?
Panthers at Rangers (7:00 PM ET) – A rematch of the 2024 Eastern Conference finals; the Rangers are off to a scorching start, but Florida sits atop its division early as well in hopes of pulling off a Cup repeat.
The Look Ahead
Kyren Williams ANYTIME TOUCHDOWN – The Rams backfield officially belongs to Kyren Williams, who has pushed aside work load concerns and emerged as a star for L.A. He’s tied for first in the NFL with 8 rushing touchdowns and has found the painted part of the field in every game so far this season. With back-to-back games with 20+ carries (and three in the last four), Williams will get plenty of chances to punch the ball in for six and take the heat off of Matthew Stafford, who will be busy dealing with Brian Flores’ vexing blitz packages.