St. Louis Rams Vs. Washington Redskins: Bold Predictions

Nov 30, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Washington starting quarterback Colt McCoy (16) and back-up quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) during second half against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports

In the recent past, any game against the Washington Redskins was nearly as important as an intra-divisional game, with each Redskins loss moving the Rams’ “RGIII trade-acquired” pick higher up the draft board. With the Rams using the last of those assets on Greg Robinson in the 2014 NFL Draft, that luster is gone. In fact, they won’t even have the opportunity to show out against their would-have-been quarterback on Sunday, with Robert Griffin III currently benched in favor of Colt McCoy. Even without any of those storylines, the Rams will undoubtedly hold the game in high regards, attempting to string together their first back-to-back win of the 2014 season. Here are our four bold predictions that will make that happen on Sunday.

1. The Rams defensive line will have another 4+ sack game

The Washington Redskins have allowed 11 sacks in their last two games, including six in their blowout loss to the Indianapolis Colts last weekend. Aside from Trent Williams, who has been hurt for much of the season, you would be hard-pressed to find a Washington offensive lineman with a positive grade against the pass rush. Meanwhile, the Rams have recorded 11 sacks in their last three games (two of those against playoff-caliber squads), including three from Robert Quinn last week against the Oakland Raiders. If the Rams put up some scores early, it should be a long, long day for Colt McCoy.

2. Shaun Hill will throw for more touchdowns than Colt McCoy

Set aside the fact that Hill might actually be the better quarterback, there are two major factors that will contribute to this one coming true. First, DeSean Jackson, the Washington Redskins only vertical threat, is listed as questionable for the game on Sunday with a shin injury. Secondly, both of the Redskins starting safeties, Ryan Clark and Brandon Meriweather, as well as their top pass rusher, Jason Hatcher, are injured. Lump in the emergence of players like Stedman Bailey in the pass game and St. Louis’ dominance in the secondary over the past couple of games and this one is starting to sound less and less “bold.”

3. Tre Mason will record his first back-to-back 100+ yard game of the season

Last week, Mason dominated the Oakland Raiders defense, recording 164 total yards and three touchdowns in only 17 touches. Two weeks prior, he was the first running back to break 100 yards rushing against the then-top ranked Denver run defense. This week, he’ll face off against an injury plagued Washington defensive unit who hasn’t faced a truly dynamic running back since allowing 141 yards to DeMarco Murray in Week 8. Good luck stopping Tre Mason on Sunday…

4. Rams will finished with a +2 turnover ratio or better

Last week, St. Louis finished with an impressively-high +5 turnover ratio, which included three interception and two fumble recoveries on defense, and no turnovers on offense. Shaun Hill is one of the best backups in the league at protecting the football. Meanwhile, the Rams have slowly turned into one of the best in the league at forcing turnovers, managing at least two takeaways in four of their last five games. Consistent pressure from the Rams defensive line combined with a lack of weapons in the Redskins offense should lead to some good opportunities for the St. Louis’ secondary on Sunday.