NFL 2018: Top 3 Matchups for Week 3

2. LA Chargers (1-1) at LA Rams (2-0)

Rams aiming to continue its unbeaten run

This cross-town rivalry between the new neighbors in Los Angeles is going to be a High octane matchup. The winner can hold the bragging rights over the other team in the Los Angeles area. With both Chargers and Rams rosters are loaded with some superior talents in both sides of the ball.

Ravage Rams

Rams have been relentless in the two matchups so far in 2018 season on both sides of the ball. The defense allowed a combined 13 points in two weeks and also shut out the Arizona Cardinals in Week 2.

The Rams offense runs through the All-Pro Running back Todd Gurley. Gurley even though didn't rack up that many yards as expected but he did do damage in the red zone situations scoring touchdowns in a consistent basis. Jared Goff continued his 2017 form into 2018 finding his new target Brandin Cooks for deep throws. But, this week the Rams offense will be tested by a resilient Chargers defense who can be tough.

The all start defense stood up to its pre-season Hype by handcuffing Derek Carr and Sam Bradford in back to back weeks. The defense is loaded with talent in the line lead by Aaron Donald and in the backend by Aqib Talib and Marcus Peters. But, this week the Rams will be facing a tougher opponent in Phillip Rivers and the Chargers who themselves boast some prolific talent in the offense led by Rivers.

The Rams will be facing a tougher opponent in Chargers this week, they will need to be their 100%. The injury sustained by Todd Gurley might not be big but it is something that needs to be overseen carefully as the week progresses.

Charging Chargers

The Chargers, on the other hand, opened up the 2018 season as a favorite to win the AFC West, but as it always is the case injury bug bit them since the offseason program began in April. They lost their starting TE Hunter Henry, prompting them to sign Antonio Gates back. They also lost CBs Jason Verrett and Trevor Williams in training camp. Just before week 1 Chargers DE Joey Bosa also got injured, who is supposed to be out through October.

Chargers started the campaign whipped against the Chiefs in week 1 while coming back to groove against a lowly Bills in Week 2. Just like the Rams offense the Chargers offense is also loaded. Melvin Gordon along with Austin Ekler having been running through the defenses creating holes. Phillip Rivers and Keenan Allen continued their 2017 form.

But the Chargers offense will be facing a much tougher secondary in Rams. Rams' Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib are arguably the best 1-2 punch in the NFL. It is not going to be easy facing this dynamic duo, but if there is anyone who can make these guy sweat it is Rivers.

The Chargers who saw the people drop like flies to injuries in defense had troubled mightily in that department especially in Week 1 against Mahomes and the Chiefs. They will be facing another high power offense in the Rams who can hurt you by rushing and throwing.

Fantasy Outlook

Must Start

Todd Gurley, Jared Goff, and Brandin Cooks: Without Joey Bosa and Jason Verrett this defense is not that big of a threat and should ride the hot hand with these Rams starters

Melvin Gordon, Keenan Allen: Rams D-Line has stuffed David Johnson big time in Week 2. But Gordon has been creating lanes and beating the defenders both with his legs and his hands. Allen who had a quite yet decent start should be started in PPR formats as he gets the monster share of targets in this Chargers offense

Under the Radar:

Austin Ekler: Ekler has been a surprise complementing Gordon in the Chargers rushing attack.

Rams Defense: Rivers is known to make some big plays, but also known for throwing back-breaking interceptions. With Talib and Peters in the secondary, they are bound to get 1-2 catches for themselves

Caution

Phillip Rivers: Rams Defense, more explanation not needed.

Prediction

This game has shootout written all over it. With two high flying offenses facing off each other look for the game to end in a game-winning field goal from newly acquired Rams kicker Sam Ficken.

Rams 27 Chargers 24