Nov 22, 2020; Houston, Texas, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton (1) calls a play at the line of scrimmage during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
The battle for the NFC West crown is heating up as we approach the final weeks of the regular season. Sean McVay’s Los Angeles Rams sit at the summit of their division, but only just. They need a couple of wins in the coming weeks in order to do enough and secure a spot in this year’s playoffs.
Meanwhile, after going through a slump in mid-season, it looks like Cam Newton-led New England Patriots are mounting a late push to make it to post-season. Here’s a detailed look at both teams, along with injury updates and Week 14 Game Day predictions.
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The high-flying Los Angeles Rams are the unforeseen table-toppers in the NFC West heading into Week 14 of the season. They are on an 8-4 record, similar to that of second-placed Seattle Seahawks, but have a superior head-to-head record. Quarterback Jared Goff will be key for the home team if they want to penetrate an in-form New England Patriots defense.
Coach McVay has a fully fit squad to choose from. The usual big names such as Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods, Aaron Donald, and Jalen Ramsey should feature for the Rams this Sunday. Cam Newton will keep the Rams defense on its toes at the Allegiant Stadium.
Despite an inconsistent start to the season, Bill Belichick is bringing the most out of quarterback Cam Newton and the rest of the Patriots team. The Pats have lost just one of their last four league outings. They’ve defeated some strong teams in the form of the Baltimore Ravens and Kyler Murray-led Arizona Cardinals in recent weeks.
The Patriots defense was the star of the show last week in the comprehensive 0-45 win over Los Angeles Chargers. They will be crucial for the visitors once again this weekend. But the onus will remain on Cam Newton, N’Keal Harry, and Damiere Byrd to make some strong plays against the Rams defense led by the monstrous Aaron Donald.
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K Matt Gay – Shoulder
LB Ja’Whaun Bentley – Groin
DL Adam Butler – Shoulder
DL Byron Cowart – Back
DB Kyle Dugger – Toe
K Nick Folk – Back
DL Lawrence Guy – Shoulder
TE Ryan Izzo – Hamstring, hand, neck
CB J.C. Jackson – Hip, Knee
FB Jakob Johnson – Knee
CB Jonathan Jones – Neck
G Shaq Mason – Calf
QB Cam Newton – Abdomen
WR Matthew Slater – Knee
RB J.J. Taylor – Quadricep
Despite their rise to prominence in recent weeks, we reckon the Rams will narrowly escape with a win on home soil in Week 14. The battle to watch out for will be between Rams DE Aaron Donald and Patriots QB Cam Newton.
Both veterans are considered to be generational talents and will undoubtedly be hungry for a win to silence their respective doubters. Make sure you don’t miss out on this one!
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