Rams get it right sitting Todd Gurley for Week 17, despite No. 2 seed on the line

(Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
(Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Rams know they need to continue playing it smart with Todd Gurley when it comes to thinking about the long run with the playoffs.

With the No. 2 seed technically still up for grabs, the Los Angeles Rams knew the risks of resting Todd Gurley during their Week 16 matchup with the Arizona Cardinals, which luckily worked out as Sean McVay‘s squad would go on to win 31-9.

Thanks to C.J. Anderson, who actually joined the team just a few days leading up to the game, stepping up in the backfield by rushing for 167 yards with a touchdown on 20 carries, the Rams were able to get by their division rivals to keep them in the hunt for a first-round bye.

As for this weekend’s game, Los Angeles has already ruled out their beloved running back to take the safe approach with Gurley to make sure he’s ready to go come playoff time, which is the most important factor of all.

Some Rams fans may be upset over Gurley already being ruled for Sunday’s meeting with the San Francisco 49ers when considering that Los Angeles is facing a must win to avoid the Chicago Bears swooping in for the No. 2 seed.

But when seeing how the two teams compare on paper along with the fact that Los Angeles got by just fine in Week 16 with Anderson leading the way in the backfield, the decision to rest Gurley seems like the best choice.

The whole reason why the Rams brought Anderson on board in the first place was for this exact situation since they knew there was some uncertainty with Gurley dealing with his knee inflammation.

Los Angeles may seem slightly concerned over not having the No. 2 seed locked up at the moment since one can only imagine the high level of frustration if they have to end up playing an extra playoff game.

However, the Rams are fully aware that when it comes to Gurley, the team needs to focus on the big picture in the NFC playoffs since Los Angeles will need their star running back in tip-top shape.

Gurley’s knee injury may only seem minor at the moment, but the last thing that Los Angeles can afford is to have him suit up for this weekend’s game against San Francisco, and see him suffer some sort of injury that makes this whole situation even worse.

Nothing against the 49ers, but this seems like a game in which the Rams should have little trouble escaping with a win, whether Gurley is in the lineup or not.

In other words, even though Los Angeles is still in need of a win to secure the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoff picture, the decision to rest Gurley for a second week in a row is the right one, as the team needs to make sure he’s ready to go for January, which is what’s most important.

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