3 crucial matchups that could decide Seattle Seahawks vs. Rams in Week 1

Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf vs. Rams corners Cobie Durant and Derion Kendrick

DK Metcalf got an early Christmas present when the Rams decided to trade Jalen Ramsey this offseason. Sure, Ramsey is injured now, but he wasn't at the time Los Angeles moved him. And while DK Metcalf doesn't back down from a challenge and many times plays better in bigger moments and against top players, life should still be easier for him against the Rams now that Ramsey is no longer in LA.

Metcalf's history against the Rams is exceedingly up and down. He has had three games against LA where he has had at least 78 yards receiving with a high of 127. But in the other five games he has played the Rams, Metcalf has 59 yards or fewer with a low of 28. But again, no w there is no Jalen Ramsey so starting the season with a 100-yard game should definitely be in play.

As far as who the Rams are set to start at cornerback, Cobie Durant and Derion Kendrick, they aren't without talent. They just lack a lot of starting experience. Both guys are entering their second season. Durant started one game in 2022 and Kendrick started three. Durant, though, did have 3 interceptions and returned one for a touchdown. He allowed a quarterback rating of just 52.7 on 22 targets.

Kendrick was worse, however. He allowed completions on 40 of his 57 targets and 517 yards. Still, the Rams seemingly always have a good defense so both Kendrick and Durant should be solid and shouldn't be overlooked. The question is whether they can stop DK Metcalf or not. Let's hope they can't.