Still, it is the Super Bowl, so it’s worth discussing predictions for the game. It seems like everyone is picking the Giants, which is a bit of a surprise to me, but they are the hotter team and the are riding a wave of momentum. With that being said, I will never pick against Tom Brady in a big game. Personal feelings aside, I believe that Bill Belichick with two weeks to prepare is as dangerous as it gets as well. So, for those reasons I will be taking the Patriots to win the game 31-28.

For anyone interested, and for entertainment purposes only, the spread was at Pats -3 at last check. If it were at 2.5 I would be very confident, but 3 has me more reserved. I still like the Pats to win, but I can’t say I’m highly confident in them -3. If anyone wants to make a pick of their own, feel free to hit up the comment section and let everyone know.

Better The Second Time Around – We all know that the Rams lost the last time these teams played, but I really felt the Niners were better than the Rams that day more than the score would indicate. San Fran killed themselves with penalties, but we can’t rely on that this week. We have to be better, or we will leave disappointed.

Ground Attack – The biggest difference between this game and the previous one might be the absence of Frank Gore. Gore hurt the Rams running and catching last time, but now the responsibility falls to the shoulders of Dixon and Brian Westbrook (if Dixon plays). The Niners have some major talent with their pass-catchers, so we have to bottle up their running game to prevent big plays in the passing game over the top.

Growing Up – The Rams didn’t show up last weekend. It hurts, but it’s the truth. I know this team is not used to playing in big games like this, but they need to get used to it quickly. Another showing like last Sunday won’t be nearly good enough, so some of these young guys need to sack up right now and make big plays when needed.

As far as my prediction goes, I’ve decided I’m not making one this week. I am highly superstitious, and I don’t want to bring any bad karma to the Rams. I certainly think we can win, but it will depend on how the team shows up. Let’s hope the team steps us and takes control of this division.

BTW… For those who have been asking, I’m still working on getting the Isaac Bruce audio here on the site, and I hope to have it up early in the week.

Storm The Cassel – I am still pretty sure Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel will start under center unless something happens between now and then, and if he plays, we have to be all over him all day. He didn’t take a ton of reps in practice this week, and I guarantee he is still going to be tender on and around the operated area. The Rams need to hit him even if they don’t get the sack, and I could see Cassel getting happy feet if we get on him early. If he stays clean and comfortable, we could be in trouble.

Thunder And Lightning – I know that’s not the nickname for Thomas Jones and Jamaal Charles, but it certainly fits. These guys have been running all over everybody this season, but the the Rams’ can’t let that happen if they want to win. I think these guys combined will get their yards, but they key is limiting the big plays. Put the Chiefs in third-and-mid or long and I think we will be in a good position.

Something’s Different – It’s not completely different, but the Rams will be seeing a 3-4 defense from the Chiefs in this game. We have struggled a bit against the 3-4 this season, so the offensive line will have to be better today if we are going to move the ball consistently. This Chiefs defense is pretty good, but they can be had. How the team handles the 3-4 alignment could determine the outcome.

Home Field Advantage? – I’ve heard rumors that the Dome is going to be heavily populated by Chiefs fans today, and I hope that’s not the case. This is the biggest NFL game in St. Louis in a number of years, and it would be a shame if the people don’t recognize that. The Rams had to go to a silent count the last time the Chiefs were in town because of all the visiting fans, so don’t let that happen again. Dome Field Advantage could play a major role in this game, so be loud and be proud if you are in the house.

Now, for my prediction. As those of you who are regular readers know, I usually get a gut feeling about the outcome before Sunday’s game, and my prediction usually reflects that hunch. With that being said, I have no idea what to predict here. Part of me really likes the Rams to get the win, but I’m starting to wonder if my emotion is clouding my judgement. I’m going to say 24-20 Rams, but I’m far from confident, not in the Rams, but in my prediction.