Yakima’s Davis High Grad, Cooper Kupp & LA Rams Win NFC Thriller

With the Seahawks out of the NFL playoff picture this year, many Hawk fans have either decided to root against certain teams or pick a team to support all the way to the big game.

I fall into the latter camp, and that camp, specifically, is the LA Rams. The choice was clear for me as the Rams not only have a shot at winning it all, they have Yakima's own Cooper Kupp. The former Davis High School Pirate, Eastern Washington Eagle, and NFL Leading receiver is headed to the NFC Championship Game this coming Sunday.

LA RAMS Beat Defending Super Bowl Champion Tampa Bay Bucs 30-27

The game Sunday against the Bucs was every bit as exciting as one could hope for. The Rams jumped out to a commanding 27-3 second-half lead, only to have Tom Brady lead the Buccaneers to tie up the score at 27 apiece with only 42 seconds to play. Rams QB Matthew Stafford answered, hitting Cooper Kupp on passes of 20 and 44 yards, to set up a game-winning 30-yard field goal as time expired.

Who Do the Rams Play Next?

The Rams will take on their NFC West Division rival San Francisco 49ers on Sunday in the NFC Championship game. The Niners beat the Packers over the weekend for their opportunity to advance. Rams fans know that the Niners have had their number this season, winning both regular-season contests. In fact, the 49ers have won the last 6 contests.

Who is Favored to Win in the NFC Championship Game?

According to USA Today and Tipico Sportsbooks:

The Rams have been given +210 odds to win the Super Bowl, putting them behind only the Kansas City Chiefs, who have +125 odds to hoist the Lombardi Trophy. The 49ers enter this week with +450 odds and the Cincinnati Bengals are massive underdogs with +900 odds to win the Super Bowl.

The Rams have one potential advantage that no other team has, and that is 'Home Field Advantage'. The NFC Championship game AND the Super Bowl will be played at the Rams' home SoFi Stadium. So, back from their successful business trip to Tampa Bay, the LA Rams have unpacked their bags and are home to stay.