2. New Orleans vs. 3. Los Angeles Rams
How New Orleans can win: This game will be won or lost through the air, with Peyton Manning and star-studded WRs Reggie Wayne, Charlie Joiner and Odell Beckham Jr. working against Richard Sherman and the Los Angeles secondary. On defense, it will be up to DBs Ed Reed, Aeneas Williams and Tyrann Mathieu to whittle the margin for error for Rams quarterback Warren Moon. Los Angeles has a strong pass-rush, so it’s critical for left tackle Andrew Whitworth to protect Manning. An X-factor for the Saints is running back Marshall Faulk, whose pass-catching ability will be tested by Rams linebackers Bobby Wagner and Hardy Nickerson and Clay Matthews Jr. — John Sigler, Saints Wire
How Los Angeles can win: The Rams have their work cut out for them in the third round against the Peyton Manning-led Saints, a team rich with offensive talent. However, the Rams’ defensive line can get pressure on Manning against an offensive line that starts Trai Turner and Todd McClure on the interior. The Rams also have the advantage against New Orleans’ young LB tandem of Deion Jones and Devin White. L.A. must be aware of Hall of Fame safety Ed Reed patrolling the middle of the field, but Rams QB Warren Moon will have plenty of time to make decisions behind the imposing offensive line of Anthony Muñoz, Tyron Smith, Larry Allen, Max Montoya and Bruce Matthews. — Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire
[opinary poll=”which-team-wins-this-matchup_usatodayhss-qvul0s” customer=”usatoday”]
Other matchups:
LAC vs KC / Mia vs Pit / Dal vs Atl
AFC rosters:
Buf / Mia / NE / NYJ // Bal / Cin / Cle / Pit // Hou / Ind / Jax / Ten // Den / KC / LV / LAC
NFC rosters:
Dal / NYG / Phi / Was // Chi / Det / GB / Min // Atl / Car / NO / TB // Ari / LAR / SF / Sea
- Coming Friday, Oct. 2: Homegrown Legends tournament bracket, conference championships