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Week 18

Weekly
Grade
New England Patriots
10-8 33
38
 
VS
proj
Los Angeles Rams
29 8-9-1
27.62

New England Patriots fall short of projections, come back to defeat Los Angeles Rams, 33-29

Despite failing to bring their A game and falling short of projections, New England Patriots came back for a 33-29 win over Los Angeles Rams, who actually exceeded projections. Trailing 29-25 heading into Sunday night, New England Patriots charged back behind Josh Jacobs (132 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TD, 12 Rec Yds). Matthew Stafford (238 Pass Yds, 3 Pass TDs) and Matt Gay (1-1 FG, 43 long, 3-3 XP) did their part for Los Angeles Rams in defeat. This marks the second time this season New England Patriots have gotten the best of Los Angeles Rams, after winning 41-37 in their last matchup. New England Patriots end the season at 10-8, while Los Angeles Rams finish the campaign at 8-9-1.

Matchup Timeline

  New England Patriots   Los Angeles Rams

Inside the Matchup

Matchup Player of the Week

Tannehill overachieved for the sixth time this season, scoring 13 points against his 7.25-point projection. During a 28-25 win over the Texans, he passed for 287 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Ryan Tannehill

Top Player Comparison

New England Patriots
Points
% of total points 33
1
Ryan Tannehill
QB
13
7.25
39.4%
2
Josh Jacobs
RB
8
5.14
24.2%
3
Nick Folk
K
6
8.4
18.2%
4
Justin Jefferson
WR
4
3.16
12.1%
Los Angeles Rams
Points
% of total points 29
1
Matthew Stafford
QB
8
7.98
27.6%
2
Matt Gay
K
6
8.12
20.7%
3
Tyler Higbee
TE
6
1.18
20.7%
4
The Los Angeles Rams defense
DEF
5
6.52
17.2%

Matchup Highlights

Sunday Early
Justin Jefferson had a 45-yard touchdown catch for New England Patriots, helping the team to a 17-0 lead.
Sunday Late
Matthew Stafford hit Cooper Kupp for a 46-yard pass for Los Angeles Rams, contributing to a 29-25 lead for Los Angeles Rams.

Points By Position

  New England Patriots   Los Angeles Rams
Standings Update
Well, that's a wrap for the season. Let's take one last look at where these teams finished up before looking ahead to next year.
New England Patriots
New England Patriots completed the season averaging 32 points per game, 2nd-highest in the league, placing them 4th in the standings at the end of the regular season.
Important Players
Nick Folk
MVP
36-39 FG, 53 long, 42-47 XP
NE Defense
Best Drafted
17.8 Avg Pts Allowed, 310.8 Avg Yds Allowed, 30 Turnovers
Mia Defense
Best Acquisition
21.9 Avg Pts Allowed, 337.5 Avg Yds Allowed, 26 Turnovers
Los Angeles Rams
Los Angeles Rams completed the season with the league's 6th-best points average (30 ppg), placing them 7th in the standings at the end of the regular season.
Important Players
Matt Gay
MVP
32-34 FG, 55 long, 48-49 XP
Matthew Stafford
Best Drafted
4886 Pass Yds, 41 Pass TDs
Best Acquisition

StatSmack

There's a pattern emerging. In their two matchup wins against Los Angeles Rams, New England Patriots averaged more points (37) than they usually score (32.17).
We heard scoring helps you win. Los Angeles Rams need some help then, averaging just 29.72 versus New England Patriots's 32.17.
Even the machines think New England Patriots have better players. Their projected average points is higher (31.98) than Los Angeles Rams (29.24).
In dire times, at least New England Patriots keep it close. They've been blown out less times than Los Angeles Rams (3 vs 5).
New England Patriots are better at closing games out, with fewer close losses than Los Angeles Rams (0 vs 1).
By position, New England Patriots have outscored Los Angeles Rams at RB and DEF this season.
New England Patriots has a higher average scoring margin (1) than Los Angeles Rams this season (1).
Hey Los Angeles Rams, maybe you'll have better luck next year!