New Orleans Saints (7-7) vs. Los Angeles Rams (7-7)
New Orleans Saints vs. Los Angeles Rams 12/21/23 – As the NFL season heats up, Week 16 between the New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Rams promises to be a pivotal one. Both teams currently stand at 7-7 records, signaling tight contention for playoff positioning. Thursday night at SoFi Stadium promises not just another game; rather it is a clash of aspirations and tactics that showcase skill and strategy – one which fans are anxiously preparing their top football tips and predictions ahead of airing live on AMZN at 8:15 PM ET.
Analyzing the Saints, their rushing and receiving games are of particular interest. Alvin Kamara has been their standout running back with 630 rushing yards from 161 attempts despite only playing four games this year. Chris Olave is notable as well; with 918 receiving yards from 72 receptions he is an essential piece in their success as they convert targets into significant gains, making him one of the key players to watch in this contest.
At the Rams, their offensive power cannot be underestimated. Kyren Williams has been an incredible force on the ground, amassing 953 yards from 186 rushing attempts – his explosiveness and ability to find gaps in defense have been essential for their success. Meanwhile, Puka Nacua is an outstanding receiver, amassing 1163 yards on 87 receptions while making crucial plays that threaten any defense.
New Orleans Saints vs. Los Angeles Rams Game Info
| When: | Thursday, December 21, 2023 at 8:15 PM ET |
| Where: | SoFi Stadium |
| TV: | AMZN |
| Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
Derek Carr QB vs. Matthew Stafford QB
Derek Carr still shows mastery running an efficient short passing game. His quick release and ball placement on short and intermediate routes remains elite. Carr has also cut down on mental errors in recent weeks, showcasing improved decision making within the pocket. However, at age 32 with decreased arm strength, Carr’s inability to consistently push the ball downfield vertically hinders explosiveness. Against a talented Rams secondary, Carr must avoid falling into a dink and dunk approach. Stretching the field will be paramount to keep pace with LA’s high-flying offense.
Matthew Stafford remains the conductor of the Rams prolific offensive attack. The gunslinger’s willingness to take chances downfield has produced highlight-reel shots to dynamic playmakers all season. Stafford’s 3320 passing yards and 21 TDs confirm he still elevates LA’s scoring ceiling each week. Yet lingering elbow issues have affected ball speed and location precision during December. Stafford must regain top form facing an aggressive Saints pass rush featuring Cam Jordan and Marcus Davenport. How Stafford handles heat in the pocket and finds soft spots versus New Orleans’ zone looks will determine the success of McVay’s scheme. Overall, the veteran’s big-play ability still gives the Rams an advantage at the game’s most critical position Thursday night.
NFL Odds/Point Spread: Los Angeles Rams -210, Total Odds: 44.5
The Saints are just 4-10 ATS in their last 14 games. Against NFC opponents, New Orleans owns a dismal 0-6 ATS record over the previous half-decade when playing in Los Angeles. The under has also hit in 10 of 12 recent Saints’ road games. These streaks showcase why most sharps are backing the Rams Thursday night.
New Orleans Saints Betting Trends
The Saints’ betting trends reveal some concerns, especially their 4-10-1 record against the spread (ATS) in the last 15 games. This trend indicates inconsistency in outperforming expectations. Furthermore, the total has gone UNDER in 16 of their last 20 games, suggesting a trend towards lower-scoring affairs. Their 0-6 ATS record in the last six road games against the Rams is particularly worrying for Saints backers.
Los Angeles Rams Betting Trends
Conversely, the Rams ending their 2 game slide at home versus the Saints. Los Angeles has won and covered the spread in 6 straight home contests against New Orleans. They also play exceedingly better against NFC foes, especially those from the South division where they are 9-3 straight up over the past few seasons. With Stafford connecting on long strikes to his talented receiving corps recently, the over seems enticing as well.
New Orleans Saints vs. Los Angeles Rams 12/21/23 Betting Picks
Considering the data and trends, this game promises to be a tightly contested affair with a slight edge to the Rams, primarily due to their recent form and home-field advantage. The Saints have struggled to cover the spread, especially on the road against the Rams. However, their key players like Kamara and Olave could be difference-makers.
For those looking at premium analysis picks, focusing on individual player performances, especially the quarterbacks, could be profitable. The under might be a safer bet, given both teams’ tendency towards lower-scoring games. The Saints’ defense will need to step up, but the Rams’ recent momentum could be hard to counter.
Free Pick and Prediction: Los Angeles Rams 23, New Orleans Saints 19