The Los Angeles Rams’ chances to make the playoffs have dwindled dramatically after a tough loss last Sunday. If they are to keep their hopes alive, they need to win this game against the San Francisco 49ers (+700 to win the Super Bowl) who have clinched a spot in the postseason but can’t afford to relax after losing their grip on the top spot of the NFC West.
The Rams are on the verge of missing the playoffs just a season after making it to the grandest stage of football. That’s after they suffered a head-scratching 44-21 road loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday in which last season’s NFC champions failed to show some teeth on either side of the field. While the Rams scored 21 points, most of those came when all but the final score of the game have been decided. Jared Goff went 33 of 51 for 284 passing yards with two touchdowns and an interception, while the Rams’ run game took a day off. Gurley rushed for just 20 of the team’s 22 total rushing yards, though, he did salvage a touchdown. The Rams were the ones who were supposed to take advantage of Dallas’ porous defense but the gun was turned their way in an inexplicable performance. Needless to say, the Rams need to get it together quickly with the 49ers on their horizon. The Rams lost at home to San Francisco in Week 6 without Gurley due to a bruised thigh. Even without Gurley, the Rams put up 109 rushing yards on 22 carries. With Gurley in the mix now, the Rams can move the ball more efficiently on the ground against the Niners’ defense that is only 26th in the league with 4.6 rushing yards allowed per carry to opponents.
The under is 7-3 in the Rams’ last 10 games.
Betting on the San Francisco 49ers (11-3)
The 49ers’ 29-22 home loss to the Atlanta Falcons last Sunday was further proof that there’s no such thing as a sure win in the NFL. The Niners were 11-point favorites in that game. As for San Francisco, its offense could have done better. Jimmy Garoppolo finished with 200 passing yards and a touchdown on 22-of-34 completions, while the backfield came up with 120 rushing yards and a touchdown on 27 carries. Perhaps the 49ers have to give Tevin Coleman more touches in Week 16. Raheem Moster led the team against the Falcons with 54 rushing yards and a touchdown but averaged just 3.9 yards on 14 carries, while Coleman managed 40 rushing yards on just four touches out of the backfield. Then there’s tight end George Kittle, who could torch the Rams’ defense again. Kittle had 103 receiving yards on eight receptions in the first meeting this season with the Rams. San Francisco’s defense will be the Niners’ best weapon at the end of the day. The Niners sacked Goff four times and forced him to fumble the ball in Week 6.
The 49ers are 3-1 against the spread (ATS) in their last four games.
