Why The LA Rams Will Win Sunday Against The Saints, Advance To First Super Bowl In 17 Years

Many NFL pundits like what they see from the New Orleans Saints ahead of Sunday's NFC Championship. Sean Payton's squad is a 3-point favorite on their home turf at the noisy Mercedes-Benz Superdome, they have a high-octane offense led by battle-tested quarterback Drew Brees and even boast of a 45-35 win in Week 9 over their upcoming opponent the Los Angeles Rams.

However, the Saints can be excused for not overflowing with confidence. Despite the Rams' underdog status, Los Angeles has plenty of reasons to feel optimistic about advancing to the Super Bowl.

Strong Showing Against The Cowboys

A dropped catch by wide receiver Alshon Jeffery was the difference in the Saints escaping past the Philadelphia Eagles. The Rams, on the other hand, had a fairly convincing win over the Dallas Cowboys.

The Rams dominated time of possession at 36:13, compared to the Cowboys' 23:47. Holding onto the ball was a big reason L.A. finished with 459 total yards compared to Dallas' 308 total yards.

The Cowboys converted just one third down on 10 attempts against the pesky Rams defense.

Underrated Defense

There have been whispers all season that the Rams defense would ultimately let them down deep into the playoffs. However, the Rams have been healthy in the playoffs and may once again silence their detractors.

Veteran cornerback Aqib Talib appears to have fully recovered from an ankle injury and will likely cover superstar wideout Michael Thomas, who took advantage of a depleted Rams secondary in Week 9. The Rams' defensive backs will likely have a much stronger performance against Brees and Co. than in the regular season.

And the defensive line is loaded with talent. Beyond Defensive Player of the Year favorite Aaron Donald, Wade Phillips' line boasts an improved Ndamukong Suh and Michael Brockers. The defense was also aided by a trade that brought pass rusher Dante Fowler to L.A. from the Jacksonville Jaguars.

This unit limited Cowboys star rusher Ezekiel Elliott to just 47 rushing yards on 20 carries, so they should be up to the task against the Saints' Mark Ingram.

Too Many Weapons On Offense

Sean McVay has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal. Quarterback Jared Goff, who showed poise against the Cowboys in just his second career playoff game, has two dangerous wide receivers in Brandin Cooks, a former Saint, and Robert Woods. He also has superstar running back Todd Gurley, who showed no signs of rust against Dallas.

McVay can also turn to second-year wide receiver Josh Reynolds, who has done a more than serviceable job filling in for injured slot receiver Cooper Kupp. Tight end Tyler Higbee can give the Saints some headaches in play action.

The veteran offensive line has given Goff plenty of time to pass and has opened up holes for the running game, so there should be little reason to believe they would struggle against a Saints defensive line that will be without starting defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins.

There will be less pressure on Gurley to perform with C.J. Anderson looking sharp in recent games.

Anderson is a former 1,000-yard rusher and is coming off an impressive 123-yard rushing performance against the Cowboys, as well as 132 yards and 167 yards against the San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals, respectively. After competing in just nine regular-season games this season, the 27-year-old described himself as "the freshest running back in the league."

Saints Are Banged Up

Not only is Rankins out but so is tight end Ben Watson and wide receiver Keith Kirkwood. Watson and Kirkwood combined for 609 receiving yards in 2018.

The Rams, who have been without Kupp and Malcolm Brown for several weeks, enter the matchup in good health.

Very Good Special Teams

McVay has so much confidence in Greg Zuerlein that he gave the green light for his Pro Bowl kicker to attempt a 63-yard field goal against Dallas. Zuerlein missed it but he should be able to knock through lengthy attempts in a dome.

When the Rams choose to punt, they have one of the best in the business in Johnny Hekker. Meanwhile, linebacker Cory Littleton is headed to the Pro Bowl as a special teams player.