A tight NFC West tug-of-war is taking centerstage on “Thursday Night Football” as the 49ers jump in against the Rams as three-point favorites.
San Francisco is coming off a dominant victory over the struggling Bears while the Rams eked out a thrilling win against AFC contending Bills.
It’s two totally different weeks for both teams, as the Rams’ defense looked horrific in the second half against the Bills but still came away with the win thanks to a third-and-15 Puka Nacua screen pass for a touchdown in the fourth quarter to help close out the game.
Still, the Rams had to be bailed out by Bills coach Sean McDermott’s dubious late-game management in the 44-42 victory.
The 49ers are favored here despite many injuries on both sides of the ball as their defense stifled rookie quarterback Caleb Williams while outgaining Chicago 319-4 in the first half.
They’ll have a tougher task in a potential primetime shootout spot this week, as the Rams’ offense is rated No. 7 in Defense-adjusted Value Over Average (DVOA) as they face the No. 8 DVOA offense.
Rams vs. 49ers odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rams | +3 (-120) | +130 | Over 49.5 (-110) |
| 49ers | -3 (+100) | -155 | Under 49.5 (-110) |
Rams vs. 49ers prediction
Running backs are dropping like flies at a bizarre rate for the 49ers as Christian McCaffrey, Jordan Mason, and Isaac Guerendo all look set to miss Thursday night’s game.
Have no fear, as fourth-string running back Patrick Taylor is here.
Taylor has a better grade on Pro Football Focus than Guerendo, so I don’t expect much of a decrease in output.
The Rams allow the sixth most yards per carry in the NFL (4.7 YPC allowed), while the 49ers also coincidentally have accrued the sixth most yards per carry in the NFL (4.6 YPC).
San Francisco looks like they will be without Fred Warner, Nick Bosa, and Trent Williams in this game, which is obviously a major issue.
Both teams are solid, and this matchup is about as even as you could possibly have, given the 49ers’ injuries.
For the betting trend lovers, Kyle Shanahan is 10-5 head-to-head against Sean McVay, although the Rams won their lone playoff matchup.
As for this game, Los Angeles’ run defense is simply not good enough to back against the 49ers even with a fourth stringer back there.
Betting on the NFL?
The Rams’ run defense is rated No. 22 according to DVOA and I expect Taylor to have his way on “Thursday Night Football.”
PICK: 49ers -3 (+100, Fanatics) | Patrick Taylor over rushing yards when lines release.
Why Trust New York Post Betting
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