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Rams Week 1 opponent may come down to quarterback, and not LA’s

By Steve Rivera

Dec 11, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16) throws a pass in the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons a the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Falcons won 42-14. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16) throws a pass in the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons a the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Falcons won 42-14. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /
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Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff my not be the story in Week 1. That honor might go to Andrew Luck.

Los Angeles Rams fans will get their first look at the hometown team when the season opens at home against the Indianapolis Colts. Most intriguing about this season opener is the quarterback position, and not just for Los Angeles.

Andrew Luck continues to garner some mild speculation about his availability come Week 1.

That would be a remarkable turn of events for a Rams team who needs to get off to a fast start. Add to the intrigue a Colts team who has undergone something of a makeover, and you have the trappings of a home opener that may serve as a springboard to a win out of the gate.

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But not so fast.

Yes, given the Rams first four games of the 2017 NFL season, this is one LA would not mind stealing. That said, whatever Indianapolis brings with them as far as challenges go, Sean McVay has a few of his own. Like a remarkably young offense.

Oh yes, and Jared Goff looking to get his first win.

And therein lies the rub.
Quarterback play.

Sep 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

If Luck misses the season opener, I LOVE the Rams to sneak up on the Colts and win one in the Coliseum, but if Luck is available, even while not at 100%, this game is only close.

Let’s say for purposes of Week 1, Jared Goff is the clear starter for the Rams. Even at home, Luck is still the better quarterback RIGHT NOW.

And that’s an important distinction if the game is close late, and the Rams need a touchdown. That may still be a tough get for Goff.

Now reverse it.

It Luck needs a late TD, you have to like those odds, because he’s done it before.

And in week 1, that may be the only difference between 1-0, and 0-1 for the Rams.

Los Angeles only has seven home games in 2017. They can’t afford to lose many, and that may be a difficult proposition.

But what the Rams won’t be is blown out, at least not a home, and maybe only once on the road (see Dallas).

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The home opener may not go the Rams’ way, but it will be closer than most think. And if by some strange stroke of “Luck” Andrew misses Week 1, well maybe a 1-0 start will happen.

I just wouldn’t count on it.

Rams 20
Colts 24

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