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The Seahawks head to Los Angeles this weekend for a Week 5 matchup with the Rams. Kickoff is set for 1:05 p.m. PT with television coverage on CBS (channel 7 in Seattle).
Here's a look at which team the national media is predicting to win this Sunday, October 8Â at L.A. Memorial Coliseum:
Elliot Harrison at NFL.com sees a 23-17 victory for Los Angeles, "The Rams always play the Seahawks tough, and have actually won three of the last four in the series. The fun part of this rivalry will be seeing how Los Angeles' new-and-improved offense under Sean McVay fares against Seattle's defense. Last year, the Rams won a defensive slugfest. Yet, even though the defense improved against Dallas, Wade Phillips' group is still allowing 26.2 points per game (28th in NFL)."
Alden Gonzalez at ESPN.com predicts a 23-20 Rams win, "The Rams are feeling really good about themselves, coming off a big road win against the Cowboys. Their offense is clicking on all cylinders, and their defense finally showed signs of life in the second half Sunday, holding Dallas to a mere six points. They'll be energized, while at home against a tough division rival, and will sneak out another close win."
Brady Henderson at ESPN.com gives Los Angeles the advantage, 24-23, "The Seahawks are coming off one of the more dominant halves of football they've played under Pete Carroll, outscoring the Colts 36-3 and holding them to 32 yards in the second half last week. That was a reminder that their defense remains one of the NFL's best. The offense remains a question mark, however, and could be without starting left tackle Rees Odhiambobecause of a chest injury. Even at full strength, Seattle's offensive line will have its hands full against a Rams front four that has given the Seahawks all sorts of trouble during the past few seasons. Russell Wilson's QBR in five road games against the Rams is 48.6 compared with 71.5 in his 37 other road games. This has the makings of another close loss."
Pete Prisco at CBSSports.com takes the Seahawks to win 23-21, "This is an enormous game in the division. The Rams are 3-1 and playing good on offense, while the Seahawks are 2-2 and come in with that heralded defense that hasn't played up to expectations. This is always a close game, and it will be here. Seahawks win a close one."
Chris Simms at BleacherReport.com picks Seattle over Los Angeles, 20-16, "The Los Angeles Rams are definitely an improved team. There's no doubt about it. However, I'm not sold on them being a playoff team yet. This game against the Seattle Seahawks is going to tell us a lot about where the Rams really are. It's going to be difficult for the Rams to consistently move the ball on the Seattle defense, which is still one of the best in the NFL—even withoutCliff Avril. Points could be at a premium for L.A. The Seahawks seem to have found their formula for getting points too. Relying on Russell Wilson and the passing game is opening things up for the running game, and stopping the run has been an issue for the Rams. Seattle may have found something in running back J.D. McKissic, and if he can get going, watch out. Seattle is the more battle-tested team in this matchup, and that gives it the mental edge."
David Steele at Sporting News predicts a 24-19 win for the Rams, "The Rams' offense is only getting better every week … yet this is not the offense that will give the Seahawks defense the most headaches. The Seattle offense can't afford to be decimated any further, yet guard Rees Odhiambo and running back Chris Carson are either exiting or are about to. Again, the pressure on the defense to keep the offense in games will be fierce. This week, it will be too much."
Danny O'Neil at 710Sports.com previews Sunday's game, predicting a 22-17 Seahawks win, "It is only Week 5, but Sunday's game at the L.A. Coliseum has all the makings of one of those crossroads moments when the aspiring contender tests his chin against the reigning heavyweight and we find out whether the reigning champ still has the stomach for a 16-week fight."
Jim Moore at 710Sports.com explains why he thinks the Rams will win 30-17.
Michael David-Smith and Mike Florio at ProFootballTalk.com each take the Rams to win this weekend.
Three of eight contributors at SBNation.com pick the Seahawks to win, four of eight experts at CBSSports.com select the Seahawks, seven of 10 analysts at ESPN.com predict a Seattle victory, and three of five writers at USA Today feel the Seahawks get the win.
