Rams Vs Lions: NFL Picks
A critical late-season clash between two NFC powerhouse offenses and QBs facing their former teams is on tap at SoFi Stadium, and we dive into best bets to consider.
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Lions vs. Rams Betting Odds
*Best lines at time of writing listed
- Moneyline: Lions +215 (FanDuel) / Rams -250 (DraftKings)
- Point spread: Lions +6 (DraftKings) / Rams -5.5 (FanDuel)
- Totals: Over 54.5 points (ESPN Bet) / Under 55 (BetMGM)
The spread for this game has continued to climb in favor of the Rams as time has gone on. Los Angeles was a -4.5-point favorite before Week 14 kicked off. Even though the Lions upended the Cowboys, the Rams' 45-17 throttling of the Cardinals made a big impression on bettors and helped push the number as high as 6 going into the weekend.
Meanwhile, the total has also been on an upward trajectory and is now an extraordinary level. The number was at 50.5 before Week 14, and after the two teams combined for 89 points in their respective games, bettors began pushing the number steadily up to as high as 55.5 before it came down by a point going at the end of the week.
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Lions vs. Rams Betting Picks
The conditions for this game could hardly set up better from both a pure football enjoyment and betting perspective. This is a non-divisional game for the Lions, but Detroit has utmost urgency considering its 8-5 record and the fact Dan Campbell's squad enters Sunday looking up at both the Packers and Bears in the NFC North.
Meanwhile, the Rams have been rolling. But there's no letting up as Sunday begins with the Seahawks matching Los Angeles' 10-3 mark atop the NFC West and the 49ers just a game behind at 9-4.
Consequently, we're teed up for a game where both offenses will be going full throttle. The collection of weapons on either side is more than enough to give the two talented defenses plenty of trouble. The fact both Jared Goff and Matthew Stafford should each have a bit of extra juice going against their former franchises only heightens expectations.
These two teams are almost mirror images of each other offensively. Each has a talented two-headed backfield, a pair of highly accomplished starting wideouts and serviceable tight-end play behind their injured No. 1 options. Both offensive lines have also been impressive, but the game here will likely to tilt on the more effective defense. With both teams projecting to pile up plenty of yardage, a critical mistake at some point could very well be the deciding factor.
In such a circumstance, I see the Rams having a slight edge. Offensive mastermind Sean McVay naturally knows the ins and outs of Goff well, and he has an aggressive defense at his disposal that's picked off 13 passes and recorded 36 sacks, both top-half figures in the league. Goff has taken an average of just over two sacks per game, and that figure could climb versus L.A.'s talented defense. The Lions' secondary is also decimated by injury, certainly aiding the Rams' cause.
However, I see Detroit doing enough to keep any loss at under six points, a particularly large number for a game where both teams are mostly evenly matched, and for the total to be exceeded by at least a field goal.
Lions vs. Rams Best Bets:
- Lions +6 (-110 on DraftKings Sportsbook)
- Over 54.5 points (-115 on DraftKings Sportsbook)
Lions vs. Rams Prediction
Rams 31, Lions 28
As already detailed, this is a gem of a matchup that should live up to its ample hype. Irrespective of the talent of both defenses, the superior, well-oiled machine that is each team's offensive arsenal should shine here. But Los Angeles has a slight advantage in its pass defense and will have enough to squeak out a tight home win.
