rams prevail over la fire catastrophe

Rams prevail over LA fire catastrophe to win Vikings in NFL play-offs

Amidst the disastrous wildfires raging in their city, the Los Angeles Rams still defeated the Minnesota Vikings last Monday to advance to the second round of the NFL play-offs. The NFC wildcard game that the Rams were supposed to host was instead moved to State Farm Stadium in Glendale. There, the Rams paid homage to first responders who fought to get the fires under control.   The colours and logos of the Rams adorned the State Farm Stadium. The Rams hired a convoy of buses to bring fans from Los Angeles, with people visiting SoFi Stadium before dawn to begin the six-hour trip.  Fans waved flags and signs thanking the firefighters, while Rachel Platten performed “Fight Song” in a pre-game ceremony.  Up to 24 people have died and thousands rendered homeless. Last Monday, over 90,000 people were displaced as authorities geared up for another round of intense winds in Los Angeles.  When the match started the NFC West Champion Rams were locked in, delivering a symbolic performance against a Vikings club that won a spectacular 14 regular-season matches.  “We knew what we were playing for today,” said Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, who completed 19 of 27 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. “It’s a tough time to be back (in Los Angeles). We’re just happy that we came out and played like this tonight to get something to be happy about.” Los Angeles’ defense was astonishing. They sacked Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold a play-off record of nine times and returned one ensuing fumble for a touchdown. 

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joe whitt

Joe Whitt: If Jalen Hurts runs, ‘we’re going to treat him like a running back’

If Jalen Hurts runs during the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday’s NFC Championship Game, the Washington Commanders plan to make him pay.  Washington defensive coordinator Joe Whitt while speaking to reporters on Thursday said his players intend to treat the QB like a running back when he uses his legs.  “We’ve had a number of these guys that we’ve had to prepare for,” Whitt said. “The one thing is, is if he’s going to run the ball, and if the coordinator makes the decision for him to run the ball, we’re going to treat him like a running back, and we’re going to hit him that way. So that’s their decision if they want to get him hit the way he gets hit. If they don’t, they’ll keep him in the pocket. So, that’s what we’re going to do.” In the Eagles Week 11 victory over the Commanders, Hurts rushed 10 times for 39 yards and a TD. He delivered 18 of 28 passing for 221 yards. In the Week 16 meeting, he suffered a concussion on a scramble and was absent for a while.  Whitt’s statement didn’t upset Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni, who said that’s how every NFL team treats Hurts.  “Every team is going to try to tackle Jalen like a running back,” Sirianni said on Thursday. “He’s running with the football. They’ll try to tackle him. We ultimately are cautious with how we use him and how we think about each play because we know how important it is to have him out there. I wouldn’t expect anything else. Jalen knows how to take care of himself. We know how to help him do that as well as far as the scheme goes.” Hurts running on Sunday could depend on the knee injury he suffered in the Divisional Round victory over Los Angeles Rams. He took an injury on a third-quarter sack. On the 18 play, after he attempted only three passes, completing all three of them for 19 yards, and took one kneel down.  The quarterback was listed as limited on Wednesday during a walkthrough. 

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philadelphia eagles vs los angeles rams

NFL PREDICTIONS: Philadelphia Eagles VS Los Angeles Rams betting Tips

The Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Rams will meet at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday afternoon. Watch Eagles VS Rams.  Read out NFL predictions, picks, odds, and analysis for Eagles VS Rams. MatchPlug provides accurate Sports betting predictions for NFL previews.  Predictions And Betting Preview For Philadelphia Eagles VS Los Angeles Rams  Odds provided by 1XBet. Betting On The Philadelphia Eagles The Philadelphia Eagles beat the Green Bay Packers 20-10 in the Wild Card round. They were 7-1 straight up and 4-4 against the spread home at the Lincoln Final Field during the regular season.  Philadelphia averaged 27.2 points (7th) and 367.2 total yards (8th) per game this NFL season, including 187.9 passing yards (29th) and 179.3 rushing yards (2nd). The Eagles defense conceded 17.8 points (2nd) and 278.4 total yards (1st) per game, including 174.2 passing yards (1st) and 104.2 rushing yards (10th).  Betting On Los Angeles Rams The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 27-9 in the Wild Card round. They were 5-3 straight up and against the spread on the road during the regular season.  Los Angeles averaged 21.6 points (20th) and 331.4 total yards (15th) during the regular season, including 227.5 passing yards (10th) and 103.8 rushing yards (24th). The Rams defense permitted 22.7 points per game (17th) and 353.1 total yards (26th) 223.1 passing yards (20th) and 130.0 rushing yards (22nd). MatchPlug Prediction For Philadelphia Eagles VS Los Angeles Rams  In this match between the Eagles and Rams, experts predict that Philadelphia will cover the spread against Los Angeles.  Final Prediction: Philadelphia Eagles Spread. 

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buffalo bills vs baltimore ravens

NFL PREDICTIONS: Buffalo Bills VS Baltimore Ravens betting Tips

The Buffalo Bills will host the Baltimore Ravens on Monday morning in what is considered to be the highlight game of the Divisional Round Weekend. Bills VS Ravens will be held at High Market Stadium.  Use out NFL Betting tips to wager easily on Bills VS Ravens. You can also find similar previews on MatchPlug.  Predictions And Betting Preview For Buffalo Bills VS Baltimore Ravens Odds provided by 1XBet. Betting On Buffalo Bills Defensively, the Buffalo Bills will need a do over from a poor performance against Baltimore in September. The Ravens took the run and dominated the match. Buffalo finished the regular season 11th in scoring defense. They were 12th against the run and 24th against the pass. The Bills ranked 16th in red zone defense this season. They finished 20th in the NFL in sacks per game. Turnovers were essential to their success this term and they finished first in the NFL in turnover differential.  Buffalo ended the NFL regular season at 13-4 and are now 9-0 at home after winning the Denver Broncos last sunday. They are 3-3 vs NFL playoff teams this term. Josh Allen is 5-5 in his career in the NFL Playoffs but his numbers are somewhat remarkable. Allen has thrown 23 touchdowns and only four interceptions in his 11 starts. He is 6-2 in the playoffs at home in his career including a win against Monday rivals.  Betting On The Baltimore Ravens  Defensively, the Baltimore Ravens held the Pittsburgh Steelers to only 11 first downs on Saturday including only 280 total yards. Baltimore had one sack in the game and five tackles for defeat. This campaign, they finished first against the run but only 31st against the pass. Their defense is second in the NFL in sacks per game. The Ravens are 13th in the NFl in red zone defense. They were 10th in turnover margin this season.  After the victory over Pittsburgh, Baltimore are now 83 against playoff clubs this term.They ended the regular season 503 on the road. Lamar Jackson’s record in the playoffs is now 3-4 in the playoffs in his career. Jackson is 1-1 on the road in the playoffs and 0-1 against Buffalo in the playoffs.  MatchPlug Prediction For Buffalo Bills VS Baltimore Ravens  The Bills are 9-0 at home, 6-2 at home in the playoffs under Josh Allen, and are using their most complete squad of this era. Experts predict a strong ground attack, a steady diet of down the field passes, a fresh effort to stop the run to help Buffalo advance to the AFC Title game. Take the Bills to cover over the Baltimore Ravens.  Final Prediction: Buffalo Bills Spread.

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detroit lions vs washington commanders

NFL PREDICTIONS: Detroit Lions VS Washington Commanders betting Tips

The Detroit Lions and Washington Commanders will compete in the divisional round of the playoffs, as Wild Card weekend kicks off. Read our analysis of Lions VS Commanders.  Use out NFL Betting tips to wager easily on Lions VS Commanders. You can also find similar previews on MatchPlug.  Predictions And Betting Preview For Detroit Lions VS Washington Commanders Odds provided by 1XBet. Betting On Detroit Lions  Detroit Lions had an exciting 15-2 season that got them their first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. The former was especially important given how exhausted the team has been this term.  Detroit will welcome back running back David Montgomery, who was once thought to have suffered a season-ending knee injury. Cornerback Terrion Arnold and guard Kevin Zeitler, who were both injured in Week 18 could also return. Currently, the expectation is that both will appear in this match.  Betting On The Washington Commanders  No one believed that the Washington Commanders would make this far in the season when it started, and they’ve had their fair share of skeptics. Thanks to rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who should win Offensive Rookie of the Year, Washington are way ahead of schedule.  While Commanders fans are hoping that they won’t be eliminated, the reality is that Washington is taking a lot of risks in their pursuit for more wins and their future is bright, no matter how this weekend ends.  MatchPlug Prediction For Detroit Lions VS Washington Commanders  All expert analysis of the Lions and Commanders game, point to Detroit pulling off another surprise by emerging winners in this contest against Washington.  Final Prediction: Detroit Lions Moneyline.

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kansas city chiefs vs houston texans

NFL PREDICTIONS: Kansas City Chiefs VS Houston Texans betting Tips

The Houston Texans will visit the Kansas City Chiefs for their 2nd straight playoff match. Don’t miss Chiefs VS Texans.  To get NFL predictions for Watch Chiefs VS Texans, you can visit MatchPlug. We are one of the Best sports betting sites to get picks, odds, and previews for all NFL games.  Predictions And Betting Preview For Kansas City Chiefs VS Houston Texans  Odds as seen on 1XBet. Betting On The Kansas City Chiefs The Kansas City Chiefs had an extra week to get ready for this match, but they are only 16-17 ATS with a rest advantage since Mahomes became quarterback in 2018. While the Chiefs went 15-2 this term, they won just 4 times by over 8 points. 10 of Kansas City’s matches this season were determined by 7 or lower, so they have hardly subdued their opponents.  Kansas City’s single loss this campaign when playing their starters happened in Week 11 at Buffalo, as they recorded 78 rushing yards and Mahomes threw 2 interceptions. The Texans only held the Los Angeles Chargers to 50 rushing yards, so if the Chiefs’ rushing attack doesn’t start early, Houston will make this a close match.  Betting On The Houston Texans CJ Stroud and the Houston Texans took care of the Chargers in a 32-12 victory in the Wild Card round, as they outgained them by 168 yards and won the turnover battle 4-1. But, facing Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs is a completely different ball game, but this Texans’ defense means business.  DeMeco Ryans squad is 4th in the NFL in success-rate permitted, 5th in EPA per play, 2nd in points per quality possession allowed and 5th in total yards allowed (315.0) per game. Analysts don’t expect Mahomes to throw 4 interceptions like Justin Herbert does, but this Houston defense can create problems for him.  MatchPlug Prediction For Kansas City Chiefs VS Houston Texans  The last time the Chiefs and Texans met at Arrowhead, Kansas City won 27-19, covering a 3.5-point spread. But, Mahomes hasn’t made any big numbers this year, as the Chiefs are just 1-5 ATS this season when they are 7+ favourites. Historically, Kansas has dominated at Arrowhead, as they are 54-15 SU since 2018, but now they are 31-35-3 ATS. Expect the Texans to keep this match close, even if the Chiefs win again.  Final Prediction: Kansas City Chiefs Spread. 

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Cowboys discuss new deal with McCarthy

Dallas Cowboys to begin discussion with Mike McCarthy on new deal

The Dallas Cowboys and Mike McMarthy are getting ready to begin talks of a new contract. Dallas owner Jerry Jones and McCarthy are open to continuing their partnership. Both sides are expected to start talks today on a new deal to keep him with the Cowboys.  These discussions are happening after several days of talking about the 2024 season and future.  McCarthy’s contract will expire on Tuesday, giving the Cowboys a sole negotiation window before he becomes a free agent.  Almost all of the team’s assistant coaches will have their contracts expire this week. This makes the talk between Jones and McCarthy an urgent one.  During Dallas’ five-game skid in the middle of the year, which featured shameful defeats to the Lions, Eagles, and the Texans, it seemed certain that the Cowboys would drop McCarthy after the season. However, the team powered through to win four of their last seven matches.  Even Jones spoke well of McCarthy’s work and how his staff navigated their challenges. He also spoke about the team losing Dak Prescott.  Several players supported McCarthy to return during and after the season, including Prescott and Micah Parsons.  The Cowboys’ 7-10 record in 2024 followed three straight 12-5 finishes from 2021-23, making it the second season they missed playoffs under McCarthy.  Entering this year, the big question for the team is whether McCarthy could lead them past their constant playoff failures. The early-season slump and third-place finish in the NFC East ensured that question would not be answered this year. Jones and Mike discussing will decide whether the coach will get another chance to take away those struggles.  If those negotiations fall through and McCarthy becomes a free agent, he would get interest from several clubs who are hiring. The Chicago Bears already asked to interview him, a request the Cowboys refused. 

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rams vs vikings

NFL PREDICTIONS: Los Angeles Rams VS Minnesota Vikings betting Tips

The Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings will play the last game of Wild Card weekend tonight. Rams VS Vikings will be held at State Farm Stadium.  Find the NFL Betting tips, picks, odds, and analysis for Watch Rams VS Vikings on MatchPlug. We have the previews for similar matches in this league. Predictions And Betting Preview For Los Angeles Rams VS Minnesota Vikings Odds provided by 1XBet. Betting On The Los Angeles Rams  The Los Angeles Rams came into December as a 5-6 SU football team, but a five-game winning streak put them on track for their second AFC West title in the last four years. The last time they won the division, they went ahead to win the Super Bowl that season.  This will be the second time in a row the Rams appeared in a postseason contest and their sixth appearance since the 2017 season. After already winning the division crown, Los Angeles gave their starters a break in a 30-25 regular season finale defeat against the Seattle Seahawks.  Betting On The Minnesota Vikings The Minnesota Vikings scored 14 regular season victories this year, their highest since going 15-1 in 1998. They began the season strong, winning five straight before a brief, two-game slip up. Then the Vikings soldered on to the end, winning nine consecutive matches before the Detroit Lions ended that run in the regular season finale to send them to the gift seed in the NFC.   Minnesota enters the postseason with an offensive average of 25.4 points per game, the 9th best mark in the NFL this year. The 9 points scored in the season finale was the Vikings lowest output of the season and they averaged 27 points over their last five regular season contests.  MatchPlug Prediction For Los Angeles Rams VS Minnesota Vikings  With a lot of attention on the defensive tackles for the Rams, the amateur defensive unit could be facing a big day. With what is happening in Los Angeles, emotions are high for the team, and they will draw from that to win this match against the Vikings.  Final Prediction: Minnesota Vikings. 

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ncaaf predictions: ohio state buckeyes vs texas longhorns

NCAAF PREDICTIONS: Ohio State Buckeyes VS Texas Longhorns betting Tips

The Ohio State Buckeyes will face the Texas Longhorn in a rendition of the College Football Playoff Semifinal. Watch Buckeyes VS Longhorns.  Our preview covers the NFL predictions for Buckeyes VS Longhorns, plus the picks, odds, and analysis for which team will win this game. Predictions And Betting Preview For Ohio State Buckeyes VS Texas Longhorns Odds provided by 1XBet. Betting On The Ohio State Buckeyes  The Ohio State Buckeyes displayed near-perfection in their two playoff wins, destroying the Tennessee Volunteers and beating the Oregon Ducks 41-21 in Pasadena. Against the Ducks, the Buckeyes delivered a masterclass in domination, with the team advancing to a 34-0 lead behind a flawless fusion of offensive precision and defensive suffocation.  This was the best two quarters Ohio has produced in decades, causing turnovers, subduing Oregon’s offensive unit and exploiting mismatches. Although the Ducks put together 15 points over a brief stretch that spanned the second and third quarters. They added a late, insignificant touchdown, to gain absolute control of the game.  Betting On The Texas Longhorns  One in-season loss to Georgia and another in the SEC Championship, stopped the Longhorns from becoming the first team in conference history to win on their first attempt. However, a 5-seed in the CFP and a home playoff match against Clemson allowed them to come to DKR. At the Peach Bowl in Atlanta, Texas’ offense awakened with Mathew Golden recording 7 catches for 149 yards and a receiving TD. Meanwhile, Quinn Ewers ended with 322 yards and 3 TDs. Texas is the only SEC team left in the playoff after the Georgia Bulldogs lost to Notre Dame and Ohio State beat Tennessee in the First Round. The Longhorns’ success is thanks to a defensive unit that beats the best in college football.  MatchPlug Prediction For Ohio State Buckeyes VS Texas Longhorns  The Buckeyes offensive line, which dominated in pass protection, will give Howard enough time to attack deep, especially late in the match when defenses falter. Ohio has already scored 42 and 41 points in their playoff games, while the Longhorns delivered 39 in a double-overtime fixture against Arizona State and 38 against Clemson.  Final Prediction: Over 53.5. 

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penn state vs notre dame

NCAAF PREDICTIONS: Penn State VS Notre Dame betting Tips

Penn State and Notre Dame will play out their rendition of this season’s college football at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami tonight. Don’t miss Penn State VS Notre Dame.  Our preview covers the NFL predictions for Penn State VS Notre Dame, including the picks, odds, and analysis for which team will win this game.  Predictions And Betting Preview For Penn State VS Notre Dame  Odds provided by 1XBet. Betting On The Penn State  Penn State’s multi-headed rushing attack has been the force behind an offense which averaged 33.7 points per game. Ranking 24th in the US in that regard. Penn State has gathered 436.3 total yards per game; 25th in the nation, with 202.2 rushing yards; 19th best in the country. In their victory over Boise State, the offense had 387 total yards, 216 on the ground, and 21 first downs.  Defensively, the Nittany Lions are 6th in the USA, allowing only 288.8 total yards per game. Their rushing defense is 8th overall, allowing 100.9 yards per game. They have also defended against pass, stopping 18 passes while pressuring opposing quarterbacks to take 38 sacks.  Betting On Notre Dame  The Notre Dame offense averaged 25 per game in their two CFP tilts. They have the fourth best scoring offense in the US, averaging 37.7 points per game while producing 406.6 total yards each time out. Their 217.5 rushing yards per game is the 11th best in the nation. Last time when they played Georgia, they gathered only 244 total yards, with 185 via the ground game, and 14 first downs.  Riley Leonard went 15-24 and passed for 90 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 80 yards on 14 carries. Jeremiyah Love, who has recorded 1076 rushing yards and 16 TDs, reinjured his right knee and was limited to only six carries against Georgia. But, he is expected to start for the Orange Bowl.  MatchPlug Prediction For Penn State VS Notre Dame  The Notre Dame Fighting Irish might as well play without their star running back and even if Love plays, his knee injury would slow him down. There’s too much at stake here, so take the Penn State Nittany Lions to win.  Final Prediction: Penn State Moneyline. 

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