The Rams and San Francisco 49ers both won last week to join NFC West rivals Seattle in the Divisional Round, making it three teams from that division in the last eight.
The Chicago Bears made a record six fourth-quarter comebacks during the regular season and pulled off another last week to progress, but if the Rams win in Chicago it will ensure a divisional match-up for the Conference Championships.
“The Bears’ slow starts are going to come back to bite them, especially against the upper echelon teams – and the Rams are certainly one of those, ” said Dragon.
“Matt Stafford is the MVP favourite, they have arguably the best receiving corps in the NFL with Puka Nacua and Davante Adams on the outside, and their defence is pretty good as well.”
Injury-hit San Francisco lost another key player last week – tight end George Kittle – and this week they visit Seattle, whose quarterback Sam Darnold has only played one play-off game.
Should they win, the Seahawks would also host the Conference Championship at Lumen Field, where their raucous fans are known as ‘the 12s’ because they are like having a 12th man.
“It’s probably the loudest venue I’ve been to,” said Dragon. “Those fans can get after it and it really helps when the opposing offence has the ball.
“Seattle are a well-rounded team. They aren’t dependent on Darnold and last time they played the 49ers their defence held them to only three points.”
McGeoghan added: “There’s tons of familiarity because they’re divisional opponents, so I think you can throw the seeds out the window – it’s all going to be about physicality.”
