Rams vs. Seahawks Odds & Picks

Los Angeles Rams (9-5 SU, 8-6 ATS) vs. Seattle Seahawks (10-4 SU, 7-7 ATS)

Week 16 NFL

Date/Time: Sunday, December 27, 2020 at 4:25PM EST

Where: Lumen Field, Seattle, Washington

TV: Fox

Point Spread: LAR +1.5/SEA -1.5 (Top rated bonus offers >>> 100% Real Cash Bonuses!)

Over/Under Total: 47

The Los Angeles Rams come to Lumen Field for an NFC West battle with the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. After last week, the Seahawks took the lead in the NFC West by beating Washington 20-15 on the road on Sunday. With the Rams losing to the Jets of all teams, 23-20, Seattle is now a game ahead. Both teams are going to the playoffs, but each would like to win their division to boost their placement. Who can come out ahead in this divisional battle on Sunday in Seattle?

Clues From First Game

In week ten at SoFi Stadium, the Rams pinned a 23-16 win on the Seahawks to take the first game in this divisional battle. The Rams led at halftime, and with a three-point second-half output by the Seahawks, they cruised home for the win. It was not a good game from Russell Wilson, who threw two picks and no TDs. Meanwhile, Jared Goff threw for 300 yards, with their backs pushing it in when they got close, with three rushing TDs. It was a strange game in many ways. The Rams’ got two TDs from Malcolm Brown and eight catches from Josh Reynolds. And for Seattle, Wilson was the leading rusher, as Freddie Swain and Greg Olsen had more yards than leading Seattle receiver DK Metcalf.

An About-Face For the Seahawks?

It seems like the Seahawks went from a high-flying offensive team where defense is more of an afterthought to a team that is a lot like their old team. The offensive explosions have become few and far between, but that also applies to their defense, which went from giving up track meets to their opponents to becoming far more-stingy in recent weeks. And after a mid-season slump that followed a red-hot start, they have now won four of five.

In a way, they seem a lot less dangerous, with the ultra-impressive offensive showings coming less frequently. But it was important for them to address the defense, a unit that was playing at a level that was never going to allow Seattle to go very far this season. Still, in covering just two spreads in their last seven games, we see that the subdued offense has made them less attractive as a betting option. But out of their ten wins, eight were by one score. They were winning shootouts. Now they’re winning more nip-and-tuck battles.

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The Problem With the Rams

Going into Sunday’s game against the winless Jets, the Rams had won four out of five and did well to get back toward the top of the division after suffering some setbacks. But their losses really serve as notice that the Rams play with a wide range of different form. Several weeks back, they were beaten at home by the dilapidated 49ers, the last game that San Francisco won. But to suffer one of the biggest upsets in NFL history as 17.5-point favorites and lose outright at home when putting the finishing touches on your playoff case is, in fact, very alarming. You just don’t really know what you’re going to get. One week you look up, and they’re beating the Seahawks, the Bucs, and the Cardinals on the road and smashing the Patriots. The next thing you know, they’re suffering a season-sweep to the Niners, losing badly to Miami, and then finding a way to lose to the Jets.

The LA offense putting up 20 against the Jets is something for which there is no excuse. With rising Cam Akers and support from Malcolm Brown and Darrell Henderson, Jr., their run-game can make an impact. Goff has a wealth of aerial options, with Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp leading the way, along with a bevy of valuable tools who can do a lot of damage. With a bright offensive mind like Sean McVay leading the way, this should be a unit that delivers almost every time out.

This lack of bankability on the LA offense places more importance on the defense. And while coming off a loss to the Jets might not be the time to say it, the Rams’ defense is the real deal. They are top-ranked in the NFL against the pass, allowing 192 yards per game and having stifled Wilson the first time they played Seattle. Against the run, they’re second in the league, and only two teams have allowed fewer points this season than the Rams.

Hope for Seattle in this Game

Seattle might be seeing some things getting better. With their run-game having struggled for parts of the season, getting Rashaad Penny back in the swing of things, along with Chris Carson and Carlos Hyde, could give the Seattle ground-game an extra push. But it’s what we see on the defensive side of the ball that offers real promise. They had four sacks against Washington and two picks. With LJ Collier finding his footing and Carlos Dunlap getting a second wind after joining the team, their pass-rush is really coming around nicely.

Lay the Points on the Home Favorite

Seattle’s offense not really showing that extra gear lately is a concern in a divisional spot like this where they have to cover a spread. I just sense a Seahawks team that will be pining hard to avoid a season sweep at the hands of their NFC West rival. I see a close game, with Seattle able to get a little separation late to get the win and the cover at home. I’ll take Seattle.

Loot’s Prediction to Cover the Point Spread: I’m betting on the Seattle Seahawks minus 1.5 points. Did you know that you could be wagering on games at -105 odds instead of -110? This goes for your basketball bets too! Dump your overpriced bookie and start enjoying the benefits of reduced odds sports betting today at BetAnySports!