The National Football League returned to television screens and stadiums around the country last week. Now, with the 2016 season fully underway, football returns to Los Angeles.

Formerly the St. Louis Rams, the team returned to Southern California following 20 seasons in the Midwest. Sunday’s showdown with the Seattle Seahawks will be the first regular-season home game for the Los Angeles Rams since 1994.

The Seahawks will be looking to start the season 2-0 following last weekend’s comeback win against the Miami Dolphins.

Seattle’s offense struggled, only putting up 12 points, but the defense was excellent as usual.

Russell Wilson threw for just over 250 yards and one touchdown in Week One against the Miami Dolphins | Source: Otto Greule Jr - Getty Images
Russell Wilson threw for just over 250 yards and one touchdown in Week One against the Miami Dolphins | Source: Otto Greule Jr - Getty Images

Russell Wilson threw for just 258 yards and was limited for part of the game after injuring his ankle. Christine Michael, who started at running back, carried the ball 15 times for just 66 yards. What’s more, Tyler Lockett and Jimmy Graham combined for just four catches.

However, on the other side of the ball Seattle thrived.

Miami’s Ryan Tannehill was held to just 186 yards. The quarterback completed just 16 of 29 passes. 50 of his passing yards came on one play to running back Arian Foster.

Outside of that big play by Foster, Seattle kept the Dolphins offense in check. The running back averaged just 2.9 yards per carry. Additionally, the veteran was Miami’s leading receiver with only 62 yards through the air.

Outside of Foster and Jarvis Landry, no Miami pass catcher had more than two catches.

Seattle’s stellar defense could be in for another dominating display against a Los Angeles team that struggled mightily against the San Francisco 49ers.

Casey Keenum totaled just 130 passing yards and two touchdowns, averaging 3.7 yards per completion. Star running back Todd Gurley was held to just 47 yards and 2.8 yards per carry.

Big day for Rawls?

Thomas Rawls (34) will get his first start of the 2016 season against the Los Angeles Rams | Source: Otto Greule Jr - Getty Images
Thomas Rawls (34) will get his first start of the 2016 season against the Los Angeles Rams | Source: Otto Greule Jr - Getty Images

In his first start of the season, running back Thomas Rawls could have a significant impact on the game. During the San Francisco game, the Rams allowed Carlos Hyde to rack up 93 total yards on 25 touches. The running back also found the end zone twice in a shutout victory.

On the day, the Rams allowed 150 yards on 42 carries versus the Niners. That number included 43 on nine carries from quarterback Blaine Gabbert.

If Russell Wilson can play like his usual self in terms of being able to make an impact with his legs, Seattle could be in for a big day where the running game is concerned.

Injury Report

The Seahawks will be without tight end Nick Vannett (ankle) and offensive lineman Germain Ifedi (ankle). Two players who are listed as questionable are running back C.J. Prosise (wrist) and offensive lineman J’Marcus Webb (ankle).

For the Rams, cornerback E.J. Gaines (thigh) and wide receiver Nelson Spruce (knee) will miss the game. Fellow wide receiver Pharoh Cooper (shoulder) is doubtful. Rounding out the injury report are cornerback Lemarcus Joyner (foot), defensive tackle Michael Brockers (thigh) and Todd Gurley (rest). All three are listed as questionable.  

Kickoff time

Kickoff is scheduled for 4:05 PM Eastern Time on Sunday.

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About the author
Ben Rosener
Ben Rosener is a sports writer born and raised in the greater Seattle area. He is a college who is the editor and founder of two sports websites, Kingdome of Seattle Sports and Know Hitter, the latter of which is a member of the BBA. Ben’s work can also be found on the digital pages of Bleacher Report, USA Today, World Soccer Talk and FanSided among others. He only refers to himself in the third person for bios.