Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images/Sipa USA

Los Angeles Rams vs New Orleans Saints: The Rams need this one

The Los Angeles Rams are visiting the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on Sunday.

Can the Rams reach the playoffs?

The Los Angeles Rams are third in the NFC West with a 5-6 record, including 2-3 on the road. They have lost two of the last three games and are coming off a 37-20 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Matthew Staford went 24 of 36 for 243 yards and two touchdowns. Kyren Williams had 16 carries for 72 yards.

Is it too late for the Saints?

The New Orleans Saints are third in the NFC South with a 4-7 record, including 3-3 at home. They have won the last two games and are coming off a 35-14 win over the Cleveland Browns. The score was tied entering the final quarter and then the Saints went on a 21-0 run. Derek Carr wen 21 of 27 for 248 yards and two touchdowns. Alvin Kamara had 16 carries for 67 yards.

Betting Trends

The Saints are 2-7 SU in their last 9 games overall, 1-4 SU in their last 5 games against teams from the NFC and 5-2 SU in their last 7 games played in December. They are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games overall, 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games against the Rams and 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games played on Saturday. New Orleans has played over the total point line in 8 of their last 12 games overall, 5 of their last 7 home games and 4 of their last 5 games against teams from the NFC. The Rams are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games overall, 6-3 SU in their last 9 games against the Saints and 7-2 SU in their last 9 games against teams from the NFC South. They are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games overall, 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games when visiting New Orleans and 11-2 ATS in their last 13 games played in December. Los Angeles has played over the total point line in 7 of their last 10 games on the road and 5 of their last 7 games against teams from the NFC.

Prediction and Conclusion

Both teams are still hoping to reach the playoffs, but whoever loses this game will most likely be out of the race. The Saints made a coaching change on November 4th when interim head coach Darren Rizzi was promoted from special teams coordinator to replace Dennis Allen. Saints QB Derek Carr improved in each of the last three games after returning from a three-game absence with an oblique strain, and the Saints won the last two. On the other hand, the Rams were on the right track, but losing two of the last three puts them in a difficult situation. Still, the Rams have won 3 of the last 4 in the series, including a 30-22 win last season. Matthew Stafford is in great form, having two or more touchdowns passing in four of his past five games and having passed for 290+ yards in two straight road games. Cooper Kupp is another valuable player for the Rams, as he has 37 receptions for 401 yards and four touchdowns in five games since returning from an ankle injury and has two career 100-yard outings in four previous matchups with New Orleans. Given that, we go with the Rams to win this one on the road.