Seahawks vs Rams week 5: Our staff is split as to who will win

The 2-2 Seahawks play the 3-1 Rams in an important early-season divisional game. Seattle came from behind to defeat the San Francisco 49ers in week 4 (a game where they appeared early on to be on the brink of getting blown out) while the Rams were suffering their first loss of the season to the still-unbeaten Arizona Cardinals.

A loss in week 5 would hurt the Seahawks more than the Rams if only simply based on the fact that Los Angeles could go on a run after week 5. In the next three games, the Rams play the Giants, Lions and then the Texans. Those are three bad teams.

Meanwhile, Seattle plays the Steelers next and then the Saints. The Rams last five games are tougher but by then Los Angeles could have a sizeable lead over Seattle. Seattle needs a win in week 5.

Seahawks versus Rams week 5: Staff predictions

Of course, Los Angeles always seems to give the Seahawks fits. This goes back to even before Sean McVay was head coach in LA. A lot of this is likely due to the fact that defensive tackle Aaron Donald seems to get 3 sacks in every game against Russell Wilson (OK, it isn’t a “fact” but it seems like it should be). Seattle’s offense struggles against the Rams. In the last four meetings, Seattle hasn’t scored more than 20 points in any one game.

In fact, Seattle is 2-6 in the last 8 meetings between the two teams and five of those games were played in Seattle. So the game will likely hinge on Seattle’s offense scoring more than 20 points. Seattle’s defense cannot be counted on yet to get the best of a good Rams offense. That would be a surprise.

So who does our staff think will win in week 5? We are fairly split.

Staff predictions

Andrew Baillie: Seattle 23 Rams 20

Geoff Shull: Rams 34 Seahawks 30

Jake Luppino: Rams 27 Seattle 17

Todd Vandenberg: Seattle 26 Rams 19

Kevin Daggett: Seattle 28 Rams 24

Lee Vowell: Rams 30 Seattle 17