Each weekday, theRams.com will be taking a look around the internet for the top Rams headlines of the day. Here's a look at what's out there for Thursday September 27th about your Los Angeles Rams.
TNF: WHAT TO WATCH
The Rams will meet the Vikings on Thursday Night Football for a primetime NFC matchup in L.A. On Wednesday, NFL.com's Austin Knoblauch chose five things to watch in Thursday night's game.
1. How will the Vikings Offense Bounce Back?
"The team needs to quickly show that last week's performance was an exception and not a budding trend -- and a win over the Rams would quiet all the Minny naysayers. It has to start with protecting Kirk Cousins."
2. Who will stand up in the Rams' secondary?
"The Rams will lean on Sam Shields and Nickell Robey-Coleman to disrupt Minnesota's passing attack. Lamarcus Joyner should see a busy day patrolling the back end of the defense. With the Vikings struggling to establish their running game through the first three contests, it'll be critical for the Rams to find ways to keep Minnesota's talented wide receivers in check."
3. Can Dalvin Cook be a difference-maker?
"If he does play, Cook could be the wild card if he's feeling healthy and fast. In his first two games, he was limited to just 78 yards, but the football world got a glimpse of his game-changing abilities last year and he's poised for a breakout game."
For Knoblauch's full 'What to Watch' article, click here.
SI PREDICTIONS
Sports Illustrated's Andy Benoit made his predictions for Thursday night's game. Benoit says the Rams defensive line will have their week this week and the Rams will do all they can to exploit holes in the Vikings' defense.
Bold Prediction: "Todd Gurley will catch four passes in the first quarter as the Rams try to take advantage of Minnesota's linebackers in the flats the way Buffalo did."
SCORE PREDICTION: RAMS 28, VIKINGS 27
To view the full article, click here.
BIGGEST SURPRISE SO FAR
The Rams rolled out cross-trained offensive lineman Austin Blythe in-place of former starting left guard Jamon Brown for the first two games of the season as Brown served his suspension from the league. Blythe's strong play through two games made that move more than temporary and is considered the Rams' biggest surprise in 2018 so far by Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski.
"While Brown served a two-game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy, Austin Blythe filled in for him and quickly developed into a rock on the offensive line. According to Pro Football Focus'Aaron Bloch, Blythe is the league's top-graded guard through three weeks of play."
For each team's biggest surprise so far, click here.
