Yes, the Patriots and the Rams always bring back memories.

Just like last week’s game vs. the Bears – the Ted Phillips Bowl – Sunday’s game has a local memory. Remember, the Rams were the first NFL team of former Nashua High/UMass Hall of Famer Kole Ayi, as the linebacker signed with them as a rookie free agent in May of 2001. He played well in the first few games with the then St. Louis Rams, especially on special teams. But then, through all sorts of roster maneuvering by three NFL teams (Rams, Giants, Patriots) which backfired for two of them (Rams, Giants) he ended up snared off waivers by the Patriots. Bill Belichick felt Ayi’s speed would help on kick coverage, and wouldn’t you know his first game as a Patriot was a Sunday Night game vs. the Rams almost exactly 23 years ago, Nov. 18, 2001. But he got hurt early in the game on a kickoff and was on IR the rest of the season.

But remember, that was the last game the Patriots would lose the entire season. At 5-5, they ran the table and then went on to win the Super Bowl vs. those same Rams, with Ayi earning a ring. A dyanasty was born.

Another thing about that regular season game vs. the Rams? That was the first week since his dangerous injury vs. the Jets that Drew Bledsoe was eligible to play, cleared for full practice and game contact. But Bill Belichick stuck with starting Brady that night.

“I can’t answer any questions as to what will happen down the road,” Belichick said during the week leading up to the game. “We expect Tom to start Sunday vs. St. Louis.”

And, of course, the Rams, now in L.A., were the last Super Bowl victory for New England, back in February of 2019. It was one of the most boring Super Bowls of any the Patriots played in, but basically the dynasty began and ended with the Rams. That game was known more for the pre-game gushing a young Rams coach Sean McVay was doing on the field during warmups with Bill Belichick. And, it turned out, McVay coached a lousy game.

He’s since got himself a Super Bowl victory, but the Rams haven’t been a key player in the NFC since;’ their four-game win streak was stopped by the Dophins just this past Monday night. And, of couse, McVay won’t be gushing over rookie Patriots coach Jerod Mayo.

So lets see how this latest chapter turns out. Meanwhile, last week’s chapter for the picks was pretty darn good, six of seven:

RAMS 23, PATRIOTS 16

Will the Rams bounce back from their disappointing loss to Miami? They don’t have much choice, and Matt Stafford is looking to make amends for the loss. There’s a lot of confidence in what the Patriots can do with Drake Maye, but if they don’t run ball better, it’ll be tough.

BILLS 24, CHIEFS 17

Josh Allen hasn’t fared well against Patrick Mahomes, 0 for his last three. That tells us he’s due. Chiefs don’t have their best weapon, either, in injured kicker Harrison Butker. It probably won’t come down to that.

RAVENS 24, STEELERS 21

This one will come down to a field goal. The Steelers are always so tough on Lamar Jackson, but at some point the Ravens are going to have to create some separation in the AFC North. This is the time.

NINERS 30, SEAHAWKS 17

Same for the Niners. They won a big road game at Tampa – our only blemish last week – and have Christian McCaffrey back, and the bloom is off the rose in Seattle. And will continue to be.

PACKERS 27, BEARS 13

Sorry, Matt Eberflus, you can change coordinators but you can’t change the fact you’re a lousy head coach. Caleb Williams deserves better; maybe somebody like…Packers head coach Matt LaFleur?

BRONCOS 19, FALCONS 17

Denver came close last week, but just not close enough against the Chiefs. Ahhh but Kirk Cousins is in town and could challenge the Bronco defense that is giving up just 17.7 points a game. Nah. Denver’s too tough at home.

HOUSTON 33, DALLAS 16

Oh this looked like a great Monday Nighter when it was first on the schedule, didn’t it? The Cowboys’ implosion is of course an ongoing national story, and it’s time for the Texans, who lost to the Jets then choked away a near sure win vs. the Lions last Sunday night, to right the ship.

LAST WEEK: 6-1

SEASON: 45-25

Tom King may be reached at tking@nashuatelegraph.com. Also, follow King on X (@Telegraph_TomK).