TNF Week 14: Patriots vs. Rams odds, preview, and pick
Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers (Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire)
December 9th, 2020
An intriguing NFL inter-conference showdown is set for Thursday night (8:20 p.m. ET, FOX) as the New England Patriots (6-6) visit the Los Angeles Rams (8-4) at SoFi Stadium.
The Patriots posted their biggest win of the season in L.A. in Week 13, handing the Chargers a 45-0 defeat. But the Rams are a much more challenging opponent than their intercity rivals, hence their being established as significant favorites by oddsmakers here.
FINAL: The @Patriots win big in Week 13! #GoPats #NEvsLAC pic.twitter.com/tazN1Af52G
— NFL (@NFL) December 7, 2020
What follows is our wagering preview for this Thursday night rematch of Super Bowl LIII, which New England won 13-3.
New England’s recent win looks like a fluke
A 45-0 victory would be difficult for any team to bottle, let alone a .500 team.
The Patriots’ defense is now seventh in the NFL in points allowed per game (21.3), though no one is confusing them for the ’85 Bears. New England is just 12th in yards allowed per game this season (344.6).
The Pats gained a relatively low 291 yards on offense last week. Their blowout was bolstered by two defensive touchdowns and a punt return score. Sunday marked the first time since Week 3 that Bill Belichick’s squad topped 30 points in a game this year.
TO THE HOUSE!
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 6, 2020
Gunner goes 70 yards on the punt return for the @Patriots!
(via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/SrzHx6RfTY
Rams are resilient at home
The Rams’ home record is a robust 4-1 this season. Their only loss in L.A. this year occurred in Week 12, when the division-rival San Francisco 49ers downed them on a last-second field goal.
Sean McVay’s team promptly righted the ship in Week 13 with a 38-28 win over the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. That was their third victory in a four-game span.
PICK-6! #RamsHouse
— NFL (@NFL) December 7, 2020
Troy Hill has a touchdown in back-to-back weeks 🙌
📺: #LARvsAZ on FOX
📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/5w0t6mAzQq pic.twitter.com/BpE1jXqOuz
Both offenses could struggle
No team allows fewer yards per play (4.6) than the Rams, which spells trouble for Cam Newton and company. New England’s offense is a modest 18th in yards per play in 2020 (5.4).
Jared Goff and company have exceeded 30 points just once since Week 3. The Patriots’ stoppers probably won’t pitch a second straight shutout, but this unit should hold its own in this one.
Patriots and Rams statistics and rankings
| Team Name | Passing Yards | Rushing Yards | Passing Yards Allowed | Rushing Yards Allowed |
|---|
New England Patriots | 191.4, 30th | 150.9, 3rd | 225.8, 13th | 118.8, 18th |
Los Angeles Rams | 271.2, 6th | 124.2, 9th | 198.3, 1st | 93.1, 3rd |
Trends say bettors should back the Under
The Under has cashed in four straight games involving the Patriots, and is 4-1 in New England’s last five games as an underdog.
The Rams have gone below the total in five straight games as a home favorite. The Under is 9-2 in L.A’s last 11 overall.
Score prediction: Rams 21, Patriots 17
NFL Pick: Under 44.5
Wager on all NFL Week 14 action on BetAmerica!
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