The NFL playoffs are in full swing, and the Divisional Round is upon us. This week, there are games featuring some of the biggest stars in professional football squaring off. Fans are flocking to the NFL playoff odds to see who the favorites and underdogs are.
Cooper Kupp and the Los Angeles Rams are one of the weekend’s four underdogs. The Rams are trying to knock off the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the defending Super Bowl champions.
Read on to learn whether the Los Angeles wide receiver will have a big game this weekend and see how the Buccaneers’ defense stacks up against the Rams’ passing attack.
NFC Divisional Round Game Information
Before we dive into Kupp’s matchup, here is what you need to know before Sunday’s game:
- Rams at Buccaneers (-3)
- Date: Sunday, January 23rd
- Time: 3:00 P.M. EST
- Venue: Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay, FL
Cooper Kupp Stats
Kupp had one of the most prolific regular seasons for a wide receiver in NFL history. He led the NFL in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns.
It is only the fourth time in NFL history that a wide receiver has accomplished this. Kupp joins Hall of Famer Jerry Rice, Sterling Sharpe, and Steve Smith in this accomplishment.
The Rams’ wide receiver collected 145 receptions and 16 touchdowns this season. He added 1,947 receiving yards, which fell just 18 short of the all-time record. This output was good for over 114 receiving yards per game.
The Rams and Bucs faced off one time this season in Week 3. Kupp had nine receptions and two touchdowns. However, the Bucs held Kupp to fewer than 100 yards receiving, as he only tallied 96.
In the Wild Card game, Kupp was held to 61 receiving yards. He recorded just five receptions but scored a touchdown.
Buccaneers’ Passing Defense
The Buccaneers’ passing defense is certainly not the team’s strength. They ranked 22nd in the league during the regular season in passing yards allowed per game.
Through 17 games, the Bucs gave up 4,062 yards through the air, which is 238.9 yards per game.
When the two teams squared off in Week 3, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford put up a huge game. He threw for 343 passing yards and four touchdowns.
Kupp stands to benefit from Tampa Bay’s porous secondary. The Bucs’ best bet to stop Kupp and the Rams’ passing attack is to control the time of possession. If the Bucs and Tom Brady can control the football, they will limit Kupp’s time on the field.
NFC Divisional Round Preview
NFL fans are in for some great matchups this playoff weekend. The Rams and Buccaneers matchup looks like a nail-biter.
Both teams have their strengths. The Rams will rely on their star wide receiver and a prolific passing attack. In my opinion, Kupp is in line for a tremendous game and is likely to exceed his regular-season average of 114.5 receiving yards per game.
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