Rams vs. Seahawks: The best player prop bets for TNF

The NFC West will seize the spotlight in Week 5's Thursday Night Football matchup, as the Los Angeles Rams visit the Seattle Seahawks in the raucous environment of Lumen Field.

The last time these two teams met, in the 2021 Wild Card Round, L.A. defeated its division rival 30-20 on Seattle's home field, as the Rams' defense sacked Russell Wilson five times and held him to 174 passing yards.

A lot was changed since then. The Rams' defense was the best in the league against the pass and allowed the fewest points per game. The unit has been a shell of itself to start the season following an offseason of changes, including the loss of defensive coordinator Brandon Staley (now head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers).

The offense also underwent a drastic makeover, when Jared Goff was sent to Detroit in exchange for Matthew Stafford.

Stafford has found quick success in Sean McVay's system, and ranks second in the league in touchdown passes (11) and fourth in passing yards (1,222) and passer rating (117.6).

Wilson is No. 1 in passer rating (129.9), fourth in completion percentage (72.5%), and tied for fifth in touchdown passes (nine).

The Seahawks' defense has remained a weak spot and ranks dead last in total yards surrendered and rushing defense.

With all that in mind, let's take a closer look at this NFC West matchup, as we examine the three best player props to bet.

Russell Wilson Over/Under 20.5 rushing yards

While Wilson struggled to get going in the passing game the last time he confronted the Rams, the dual-threat quarterback added yards with his feet.

Wilson rushed for 50 yards on four carries in the Wild Card loss, and has run for more than 21 yards in five of his last six meetings with Los Angeles.

The veteran QB has only surpassed 21 yards rushing once this season, which he accomplished in last week's 28-21 win against San Francisco. Wilson ran the ball for 26 yards and a touchdown on four attempts.

The Rams will send their pass rush chasing after Wilson, but the Seahawks quarterback has the scrambling ability to avoid sacks and will occasionally break free for chunk yardage on the ground.

Pick: Over 20.5 rushing yards

Matthew Stafford Over/Under 299.5 passing yards

Rams quarterback Stafford will rely on his arm to do damage in this matchup against Seattle.

The veteran signal caller averages 305.5 passing yards per game and has an assortment of dangerous weapons to look to in his new offense.

While Seattle's defense is weakest against the run, the Rams might be limited in their rushing attack, with Darrell Henderson questionable with a rib injury.

Without Henderson at full speed, Stafford will pick up the pace in the passing game and air it out against a Seattle secondary that ranks 28th against the pass and gives up 26.2 completions (26th most) and 16.2 passing first downs (30th most) per contest.

Stafford threw for more than 300 yards against Tampa Bay and Chicago, and he should find similar success against a porous Seahawks defense.

Pick: Over 299.5 passing yards

Van Jefferson Over/Under 44.5 receiving yards

One player Stafford will turn to on those deep passes is second-year receiver Van Jefferson.

The Florida product ranks third in targets on the team, and averages 17.4 yards per catch, second only to DeSean Jackson.

In last week's 37-20 loss to Arizona, Stafford's favorite weapon, Cooper Kupp, pulled down just five of 13 targets for a season-low 64 receiving yards, while Jefferson made up the difference and caught all six of his targets for a game-high 90 yards.

The wideout has topped 45 receiving yards in two of four games and fell just short of that total in his team's Week 3 win over Tampa Bay, in which Jefferson racked up 42 yards on four receptions.

Against Seattle's pass defense, Jefferson will be a trusty option for Stafford and should hit the Over on 44.5 receiving yards.

Pick: Over 44.5 receiving yards