NFL
Los Angeles Rams Outlast Denver Broncos 23-20
The Rams came into Sunday’s game 5-0 and looked to stay undefeated. They accomplished that goal as they were able to defeat the Denver Broncos 23-20. They’ve become the lone 6-0 team in the NFL.
Running back Todd Gurley had a big performance that helped them win the game. Gurley put up a career-high in rushing yards with 208 yards. He also got in the end zone twice. The Broncos, on the other hand, fall to 2-4 as their disappointing season continues.
First Half
The Rams struck first with two quick field goals. The Broncos drove down the field and thought they had a touchdown on a beautiful throw from Case Keenum to Emmanuel Sanders. But upon further review, the refs would rule Sanders was down at the one-yard line.
The Broncos would also be given a taunting penalty on the play which would turn a sure touchdown into a 1st and 10 at the 16-yard line. This would prove to be vital as the Rams would force them to settle for a field goal.
Gurley dominated in the first half with over 100 yards from scrimmage including a 10-yard touchdown run on 4th down that put the Rams up 13-3 going into the half.
Second Half
The second half was quiet until the Rams, and Todd Gurley drove down the field and score a touchdown. Rams wide receiver, Cooper Kupp, was drug down in the first half and suffered a knee injury. He was carted off, and most thought it was a severe and possibly season-ending injury but he shook it off and returned in the second half.
The Rams were able to control the game using Gurley to get first downs consistently. The game was not out of reach though as the Broncos were able to hit a field goal that put them within ten points in the fourth quarter.
The Broncos then drove down the field on their next drive, and Case Keenum hit Demaryius Thomas for a one-yard touchdown. The Broncos then tried to recover an onside kick but were not able to do so, signaling the ending of the game.
How The Rams Won
The Rams and their explosive offense exposed the Broncos defense again. They used the same formula that allowed for the Jets to blow them out last week. The Broncos have now allowed back to back 200+ yard rushers (Isaiah Crowell previous week). This needs to be cleaned up as they will face another explosive back in David Johnson who will take advantage of that.
While Jared Goff only threw for 201 yards, he did enough to keep the Rams offense moving when Todd Gurley could not do it himself. As for the Broncos offense, they are very hot and cold. They have games where they can run about as good as anyone, but then they have games like today where they struggle to move the ball.
The Rams defense was able to shut down the Broncos in the run game. Royce Freeman was their rushing leader with a mere 22 yards. They did let Case Keenum beat them as he threw for over 300 yards and two touchdowns. This will need to be addressed as they start to face teams that have more high-profile passing games.
As for the Broncos, they were shredded throughout this game and showed that they are even further from the Super Bowl defense they once were.
Fantasy Recap
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams were once again a dominant force and Robert Woods, and Todd Gurley showed that. Gurley posted over 200 yards and scored his 10th and 11th touchdowns of the season. He has proven himself as a matchup-proof top running back for the rest of the season.
Woods came out as the winner in the Rams receiving corp this week as he posted over 100 yards on seven catches. Cooper Kupp did not have a catch and was only able to get 12 yards on one carry.
Cooper Kupp did go down with an injury in this game, and if he were to miss any time, Josh Reynolds would be a solid flex option. Brandin Cooks was also disappointing as he was only able to catch two passes for 53 yards.
Broncos
Keenum had over 300 yards and two touchdowns but also threw a pick. The Broncos’ running back stable was highly ineffective on the ground, but Philip Lindsay did catch six passes for 48 yards.
Other than Sanders and Lindsay there were no other notable performances.
Photo Credit
Featured Image courtesy of David Ludwig
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