Goff To Outduel Wentz To Secure Rams’ Victory

The two quarterbacks selected with the first two picks of the 2016 NFL Draft face off for the first time when the Los Angeles Rams take on the Philadelphia Eagles.

Jared Goff and Carson Wentz will duel it out for the first time at the Coliseum. Given the performances of the two players it could develop over time into one of the fiercest battles between two signal-callers in NFL history – having the potential to match Tom Brady v Peyton Manning.

Both men have been outstanding this term, with Goff a showing significant improvement under the tenure of head coach Sean McVay. The rookie head coach has transformed the Rams’ offense, guiding from one of the worst to the best units in the NFL.

Los Angeles have shown dominance on the defensive side of the ball. The club made a shrewd move to add Wade Phillips as their defensive coordinator. The veteran has proven that he has not lost his vigour, with team situated in the top-10 in fewest points allowed.

The Rams are on course to reach the playoffs for the first time since the 2004 season. They’re currently top of the NFC West and a win over the Eagles would see them sneak into the second seed in the Conference. Therefore it’s a huge match for the home side.

Philadelphia saw their winning run of nine matches brought to an end by the Seattle Seahawks. Wentz had a frustrating night as he was bested by Russell Wilson at CenturyLink Field. This week is a test of the quarterback and Doug Pederson as the club cannot afford to let their season slide.

A win will secure their playoff berth and fend off the threat of the rest of the Conference in their bid for a bye in the post-season.

Los Angeles Rams

The Rams can reach the 10-win mark for the first time since the 2003 season by defeating the Eagles. The club have known nothing over the last 13 years, but the arrival of McVay has brought energy and success back to the franchise. The 30-year-old’s appointment was met with raised eyebrows due to his lack of experience. However, McVay has brought out the best in Goff and running back Todd Gurley reversing the fortunes of both players, who struggled immensely under Jeff Fisher’s tenure.

Goff has bounced back following a difficult outing against the Minnesota Vikings three weeks ago. He produced a solid performance to guide his team to victory over the New Orleans Saints, while the 22-year-old was deadly accurate to secure a win on the road against the Arizona Cardinals. The Eagles will try to get after the quarterback in the pocket. However, with the running prowess of Gurley and the talent of his receiving corps there will be opportunities to make play downfield.

Philadelphia have depth on their defensive line – therefore it will be important for Gurley to wear them down. The running back has not rushed for over 100 yards since October. He’s 61 yards short of a 1000-yard term. He has to find his form once again to ease the pressure on Goff in a crucial contest.

Defensively, Phillips will have his work cut out to develop a scheme to stymie Wentz. The Seahawks managed to achieve success even without a number of their defensive stars. Los Angeles have injury concerns as Alec Ogletree has been struggling with an elbow injury. However, Aaron Donald, Michael Brockers and Trumaine Johnson have the talent to throw similar issues the way of Wentz and the Eagles.

Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles were knocked back by the Seahawks last week. Seattle and Wilson came at them with a potent passing attack, with Pederson’s men being unable to respond to the onslaught. Although Wentz threw for his highest passing yardage total of the campaign, he was only able to put 10 points on the board, ending the club’s nine-game win streak. Philadelphia were edged out of the top seed in the NFC Conference due to their defeat. They need to respond to their loss to keep pace with the Vikings, but will face a challenge against the Rams, especially on the road.

Pederson’s side have dominated the majority of their opponents this season. However, Super Bowl champions usually have to battle through adversity at some stage of the term. This week is a test of their character as another defeat could put their hopes of securing a bye week in the playoffs in jeopardy. Their schedule softens after this contest – therefore this will likely be the club’s final test before the post-season where it could be all over in one match.

Fortunately for the Eagles they’re flushed with talent. LeGarrette Blount, Jay Ajayi and Corey Clement have offered a threat in the running game to ease the pressure on Wentz. The quarterback faces a strong defensive line and will need the support of his running backs to soften up the pass-rush. His wideouts will have to get open quickly, although that he been easier said than done this term against the Rams.

On the other side of the ball, the Eagles have stopped to the run. If they force the game into the hands of Goff then there could be opportunities for their secondary to create a decisive turnover.

Betting Options

The Rams have dropped two matches on home soil and cannot afford another defeat at the Coliseum. Goff has found his rhythm once again, but the key to victory will be the running game and the form of Gurley. Should the Rams be able to control the contest and force Wentz into a number of throws downfield to keep pace with their scoring ability – then it might be enough to sway the contest into their hands.

Wentz is the better quarterback of the two so far into their careers and will be determined to defeat his rival. However, the experience of Phillips in concocting a defensive scheme for the occasion will be enough to secure the win for Los Angeles. As a result, back the Rams to claim the win at 1.83Bet €100 to win €18383/100Bet £100 to win £183-120Bet $100 to win $1830.83Bet HK$100 to win HK$183-1.20Bet Rp100 to win Rp1830.8300Bet RM100 to win RM183  with Betway.

The contest will be close, but McVay’s men at -4.5 on the spread provides good value at 2.40Bet €100 to win €2407/5Bet £100 to win £240+140Bet $100 to win $2401.40Bet HK$100 to win HK$2401.40Bet Rp100 to win Rp240-0.7143Bet RM100 to win RM240  with 888Sport. It should be a high-scoring affair between two strong offensive teams, with also the propensity for point-yielding turnovers – take the over on +50.5 points at 2.18Bet €100 to win €21859/50Bet £100 to win £218+118Bet $100 to win $2181.18Bet HK$100 to win HK$2181.18Bet Rp100 to win Rp218-0.8475Bet RM100 to win RM218  with 888Sport. Cooper Kupp has been a star on offense for the Rams this season – back him to notch his fourth touchdown of the season anytime at 2.50Bet €100 to win €2503/2Bet £100 to win £250+150Bet $100 to win $2501.50Bet HK$100 to win HK$2501.50Bet Rp100 to win Rp250-0.6667Bet RM100 to win RM250  with 888Sport.

Tips Summary

Los Angeles Rams To Beat Philadelphia Eagles
Sunday 10^th December 2017 16:25 ET (21:25 GMT)
Odds: 1.83Bet €100 to win €18383/100Bet £100 to win £183-120Bet $100 to win $1830.83Bet HK$100 to win HK$183-1.20Bet Rp100 to win Rp1830.8300Bet RM100 to win RM183

Los Angeles Rams To Cover -4.5 Spread
Sunday 10^th December 2017 16:25 ET (21:25 GMT)
Odds: 2.40Bet €100 to win €2407/5Bet £100 to win £240+140Bet $100 to win $2401.40Bet HK$100 to win HK$2401.40Bet Rp100 to win Rp240-0.7143Bet RM100 to win RM240

Over 50.5 Points To Be Scored
Sunday 10^th December 2017 16:25 ET (21:25 GMT)
Odds: 2.18Bet €100 to win €21859/50Bet £100 to win £218+118Bet $100 to win $2181.18Bet HK$100 to win HK$2181.18Bet Rp100 to win Rp218-0.8475Bet RM100 to win RM218

Cooper Kupp To Score Touchdown Anytime
Sunday 10^th December 2017 16:25 ET (21:25 GMT)
Odds: 2.50Bet €100 to win €2503/2Bet £100 to win £250+150Bet $100 to win $2501.50Bet HK$100 to win HK$2501.50Bet Rp100 to win Rp250-0.6667Bet RM100 to win RM250