5 bold predictions for the Rams in Week 14 against the Bills

IV: But Rams running backs will combine for 160+ rushing yards

I loved what I witnessed from the Rams rushing offense in Week 13, and am encouraged by the fact that the team put up 156 rushing yards against a pretty stingy New Orleans Saints defense. I look for more of the same in Week 14. The Bills run defense allows just 121.9 rushing yards per game, coming in at 18th in a 32 team league. But you have to dig a bit deeper to see the real story.

Because the Bills offense is so adept at scoring, teams quickly abandon the run to engage in a full-on shootout. And so, nobody notices the fact that the Bills defense allows 4.9 yards per carry. That is only better than the New Orleans Saints and the New York Giants, both at 5.1 yards per carry. And that is why I am confident that the Rams running back tandem of Kyren Williams and Blake Corum will have similar success this week.

Of the two losses this season, the Bills were trampled by the Baltimore Ravens, allowing 271 rushing yards. That effort moved the chains while keeping the Bills offense on the bench.

The Rams averaged 5.4 yards per carry against the Saints. They should do just as well against the Bills.

III: WR Tuta Atwell will score his 1st TD of 2024

Much-maligned Rams receiver Tutu Atwell has made tremendous strides this season. In almost every category, Atwell has improved. He has improved his catch rate (from 58.2 percent in 2023 to 68.1 percent in 2024), yards per catch (from 12.4 YPC in 2023 to 14.4 YPC in 2024), and even his receptions per game (from 2.4 RPG in 2023 to 2.7 RPG in 2024). But one statistic this season has not improved. In fact, it has regressed significantly.

Tutu Atwell has not scored a touchdown in 2024, after putting up three touchdowns one year ago. I look for that to change this week.

Rams fans are all too familiar with the play of safety Taylor Rapp, the current starter for the Buffalo Bills. And while he loves to play in the box and stuff the run, he is out of position far too often to provide ample pass coverage. Tutu Atwell has the speed to blow past him on deep routes.

The Rams can dictate that eight-in-the-box defense by deploying their 12-personnel package. Rapp, already leaning in to defend the run, will almost certainly be caught flat-footed by any deep routes with two tight ends on the football field. Atwell has earned the right to be a featured offensive weapon this week. Hopefully, the Rams see the opportunity to throw his way.