Patriots vs. Rams: Tom Brady throws 4 touchdowns in one-sided win

Wait ... I’ve been informed that this man is actually head coach Bill Belichick, pulling out all the stops to look sharp on the international stage.

(h/t to @RumfordJohnny for sharing the photo)

Although the Pats allowed a 50-yard touchdown reception for Chris Givens on their first defensive series, they shut out the Rams the rest of the way while racking up six touchdowns. Patriots blogger Greg Knopping summarized what the win meant for a team that’s struggled to put away opponents late thus far in 2012, in his Pats Pulpit’s postgame recap.

New England is 5-3 after the win, having won four of their last five. They’re on top of the AFC East, with a bye week next on the docket.

With St. Louis struggling in the first year under coach Jeff Fisher and rumors of an impending Steven Jackson trade swirling, it’s tough to find positives about the Rams as they travel back across the Atlantic. Yet Tevin Broner of Turf Show Times does just that, stating that he is encouraged by the progress of Bradford under center:

Fantasy Impact: Gronkowski’s big day simply confirmed what fantasy owners have known for a while now: The Pats tight end is one of the best starting options at any position. There is no argument anyone can make to support taking him out of your fantasy lineup.

For more fantasy info, head over to the SB Nation Fantasy War Room 4-8:30 p.m. ET Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET on Sunday. Check out SB Nation’s own Fantasy Football game, Pick 6!

Sam Bradford completed 22 of 30 passes for 205 yards, one touchdown and a pick against the Patriots in London. Bradford’s lone score provided the only points in Week 8 for the Rams.

The Patriots pass defense hasn’t stopped many quarterbacks this year, so Bradford’s low scoring output was an even bigger disappointment.

Wes Welker caught six passes for 48 yards against the Rams in London. Averaging just eight yards per reception, Welker couldn’t quite break any big plays off, while Rob Gronkowski was tearing apart the St. Louis defense.

After finding the end zone in two straight games, Welker is now on a two-week scoring drought.

Rob Gronkowski reaped the benefits of Aaron Hernandez’s absence in Week 8. He caught eight passes for 146 yards and two touchdowns, leading the Patriots with 13 targets against the Rams.

Gronk has now scored four touchdowns in his last two games. Despite the crowded offense in New England, he remains a top receiving option for Tom Brady each week.

Stevan Ridley managed another 100-yard game in Week 8, rushing for 127 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries. He broke off several big runs, including a 41-yarder that marked his longest run of the season.

Shane Vereen saw seven carries, and while he too found the end zone, Ridley is clearly locked in as the No. 1 back.

Tom Brady didn’t have any problem dominating against the Rams defense in Week 8. He finished with 304 passing yards and four touchdowns in his stellar performance across the pond.

Stevan Ridley also had a huge day on the ground, once again taking some of the pressure of the passing game.

For the game, both Brady and Bradford completed 23 passes, though Brady got 304 yards out of them, compared to 205 for Bradford, who also threw the games only interception.

With the win, New England improves to 5-3 on the year, while the Rams drop to 3-5.

According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, Welker was taped up on the sideline and the injury “doesn’t appear serious.”

Welker, the Patriots’ all-time leading receiver, has caught 54 passes for a league-leading 688 yards this season. He has two touchdowns.

Step by Step

Gronk to Gronk

Chris Givens has left Sunday’s game with an apparent toe injury. His return is listed as questionable.

If Givens in unable to return, the Rams will turn to veteran receiver Steve Smith, who was brought in during free agency. He has 11 receptions for 114 yards on the season.

This marks the fifth straight game Chris Givens has caught a pass of 50 yards or more, as he improves his season total to 320 yards and two touchdowns on just 11 receptions. The ability to stretch the field is something the Rams have been lacking with Bradford under center, but they haven’t had any problems recently.

There is no word yet whether Welker will be limited in any way for the game. He played full snaps the last few weeks despite being listed with the same injury, however.

Fantasy Impact: Expect Welker to assume his usual large role within the Patriots’ offense. He hasn’t been limited anywhere else except practice despite the lingering injury, and has more than 100 yards receiving in four of his last five games.

For more fantasy info, head over to the SB Nation Fantasy War Room 4-8:30 p.m. ET Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET on Sunday. Check out SB Nation’s own Fantasy Football game, Pick 6!

Complete list of New England inactives, via NFL.com:

The St. Louis inactives, via the team’s official twitter feed:

New England Patriots

St. Louis Rams

This is technically a home game for the Rams. The team jumped into a three-year deal to be the home team at Wembley Stadium before the city took exception to the clear lease violation, which shortened the deal to this year only while the Rams try to coax an upgraded Dome out of the city.

Turf Show Times says this one’s all about Rams quarterback Sam Bradford: