Los Angeles Rams: 4 storylines for the NFC Championship Game against the Saints

NEW ORLEANS, LA – NOVEMBER 4: Head Coach Sean Payton of the New Orleans Saints talks on the field before a game with Head Coach Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 4, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Saints defeated the Rams 45-35. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)

Whatever side you’re on Sunday, the Rams and the Saints have two of the best coaches in the NFC and in the NFL. Both Sean McVay and Sean Payton have guided two of the most explosive teams in the conference through a tough December, into January and now into Championship Sunday.

While McVay won’t win COY as he did in 2017, you can make a strong argument that he’s made his team even better in 2018. Besides the several high profile editions via free agency and trades, he’s made a team that was 11-5 into a team now 13-3, and repeat winners of the NFC West and now one game away from a Super Bowl.

As for Payton, he’s been down this road before.

He, along with quarterback Drew Brees know what it’s like to be playing in a conference championship, what it means to advance, and what it takes to win a Lombardi Trophy. And while X’s and O’s won’t be any secret on Sunday, you’ll have a veteran coach working against one who is only in his second season, yet coaches with a savvy well beyond his years.

Bottom line is there won’t be any surprises on Sunday afternoon. Both McVay and Payton will have their teams prepared not just to play, but to win.

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