NFL
Los Angeles Rams vs Oakland Raiders Recap
The Los Angeles Rams came into the Black Hole hoping to pull out the win. After having a breakout season in 2017 the Rams were held to a high standard. Jared Goff has been turning this franchise around.
Derek Carr’s possible MVP season in 2016 ended in a ankle injury, and his 2017 season was a disappointment for all Raider fans. They brought in new Head Coach Jon Gruden to help turn things around.
The first half was a straight up brawl. Marshawn Lynch drug about half the Rams defense to score a touchdown on the firs drive on the game. Both team’s defense came up with huge stops in the red zone. The Rams drove 50 yards and linebacker Bruce Irving caused a fumble. Rams recovered but were forced to set up a 46 yard field goal. Rams kicker Greg Zuerlein has an outstanding record but has struggled on dirt fields. He missed the field goal.
The next drive, the Raiders went all the way down the field and set up in the red zone. Rams defense came up with a huge stop intercepting QB Carr in the end zone. Raiders led the Rams 13-10 at the half. The Raiders fell down on the job in the second half. QB Carr threw two interceptions and Corner Back Raashan Melvin had two horrible plays causing pass interference calls; placing the Rams in great field position.
The Raiders failed to score any points in the second half while the Rams stepped their running and passing game up scoring 23 points.
Fantasy
TE Jared Cook was probably on your bench- if he was on your team at all. Since moving from the Packers to the Raiders after that astounding catch in the Dallas playoff game he hasn’t been in the spot light. After Monday’s 180 yard breakout game, he might be the TE to play next week. Jordy Nelson was quiet for his first game as a Raider. Consider playing another WR next week, he won’t get you many points with his three receptions. Beast Mode showed his power the first drive of the game. He doesn’t play the whole game like other running backs, but his ability to plow pass a defensive line and to score touchdowns can lead to a bounty of points.
Todd Gurley did not disappoint whatsoever. 20 carries for 108 yards earning over 20 points in fantasy. As a player that could be a possible MVP, leaving him in your lineup would be the smart thing to do. Brandin Cooks was silent the first half, but that was only because of two huge PI calls- his 87 came almost all in the second half. His 14 fantasy point would be much higher. Don’t be afraid to leave him as your starting receiver.
Photo credit to Highlight Store via Flickr
