"NFC Championship Preview: Third Time's A Charm"

A team of destiny is built off experience in overcoming hurdles and
obstacles. Understanding what it feels like playing your heart and soul
to the maximum level. What happens when two familiar division rivals
cross paths for a third time? Top seeded Seattle Seahawks will host
their NFC West rival Los Angeles Rams with a Super Bowl trip on the
line.

We've seen both of these two teams out flex the other; while being very
aggressive in play calling. This time around, the margin of error is very
slim. Any crucial blunders can be detrimental late in the game. A tale of
two teams and coaches who'll look to upstage each other. A third
matchup means who has what it takes and represent the NFC in Santa
Clara?

1. Seattle Seahawks (14-3) vs 5. Los Angeles Rams (12-5)

A career revival for quarterback Sam Darnold, who made the right
decision to leave Minnesota and fly on his own terms. Securing a team
friendly contract, his play has been worth every dollar Seattle
envisioned when he signed. Seattle's rebuild under head coach Mike
McDonald has been a difference in two years. Darnold's play has
contributed to putting Seattle among the best teams in football, this will
be the most important game of his NFL career. With a very good run
game with Kenneth Walker, this will be crucial in keeping the Rams on
deck. Not allowing their defensive front to wreck havoc.

Receiving wise, it's JSN or bust in part of his big play making abilities. I
expect former Ram Cooper Kupp to have impact in helping Seattle's
passing attack. Rather it's the intermediate routes while opening up for

JSN, he's capable of having one of those games. Attacking the weak
spots in LA's secondary will give the Seahawks plenty of opportunity.

A top ranked defense, Seattle will spread their wings and peck their
beaks in keeping the Rams from crossing midfield. Strong as their front
is, secondary will have their coverages locked in. It's a very menacing
defense in regards to personnel. Linebacker Ernest Jones IV will have
plenty of impact in leading this vaunted defense getting after Matthew
Stafford. Veteran Demarcus Lawrence can still stop the run and give
you a couple sacks. Speed, discipline, tenacity, and wrecking havoc will
be the continued trend for Seattle.

Championship pedigree, elite coaching, veteran quarterback and still
winning with subpar performances, the Los Angeles Rams are back in a
familiar spot. Having this experience and understanding levels of
greatness in achieving overall success. With head coach Sean McVay
not having the best game plan in Chicago, a must win perfect play
calling can beat Seattle.

MVP candidate Matthew Stafford has been sensational in spite of the
Rams hiccups on offense. Playing another road playoff game with a trip
to Santa Clara on deck, it's a legacy game in all honesty. Running back
Kyren Williams must find creases and lanes up front to put Seattle's
defense on notice early. Offensive line giving all the protection needed
for Stafford to deliver shots downfield to wide receivers Puka Nacua;
who'll be blanketed and must find ways to impact the game. Devante
Adams is one of the better route runners in football and could be a key
component in helping the Rams to victory.

Tight end Tyler Higbee is the consummate security blanket Stafford can
rely on in short yardage situations. To this defense, stopping the run is
what needs to be ordered for LA's game plan. With very marginal room

for error, there needs to be a sense of urgency and communication.
Avoiding bonehead mistakes and giving Seattle extra yards will make or
break the Rams' defensive morale. Led by Jared Verse, expect a heavy
dose of blitz packages to bully Sam Darnold. Control the line of
scrimmage, score as many points possible without getting too cute and
takeaway your identity.

This is the classic tale of two teams who know each other very well.
Both regular season matchups were decided by a point or less. LA can
start fast and let up; while Seattle comes out deer in headlights and
somehow has a head scratching play of "what were you thinking?" A
game which can boil down to a Stafford game winning drive. Darnold is
capable of doing the unthinkable and leave you in uproar. With the
smoke screen of Darnold's injury, don't be surprised if it inflicts minor
pain from the Rams defense.