The New Orleans Saints are on the road on Thursday Night Football as they take on the Los Angeles Rams in some NFC action. The Saints are second in the NFC South with a 7-7 record and are on a two-game winning streak after a 24-6 home win over the New York Giants. The Rams are second in the NFC West with a 7-7 record and are coming off a 28-20 home win over the Washington Commanders.
With these teams neck-and-neck in the NFC Wild Card race at the moment, who will get a pivotal head-to-head victory?
Team | Spread | Total | MoneyLine |
New Orleans Saints | +4
-110 |
O45.5
-105 |
+170 |
Los Angeles Rams | -4
-110 |
U46.5
-115 |
-200 |
**Odds Courtesy of ESPN Bet** |
- Fixture: New Orleans @ Los Angeles
- Date and Time: December 21, 2023 @ 8:15 pm EST
- Location: SoFi Stadium in Ingelwood, California
Key Stats
New Orleans Saints
- Points Per Game: 22.
- Points Allowed Per Game: 19.1
- 3rd Down Efficiency: 38.27%
- 4th Down Efficiency: 53.33%
- Net Passing Yards Per Game: 231.3
- Yards Per Pass Attempt: 6.8
- Passing TDs: 19
- Rushing Yards Per Game: 103.2
- Rushing TDs: 11
- Sacks: 30
- Interceptions: 14
The New Orleans Saints are trying to build off momentum and potentially win the NFC South and get a home playoff game. Their offense has been doing decently well throughout the season and has a lot of significant pieces.
The team is currently 14th in passing yards per game (231.3) and 19th in rushing yards per game (103.2) while being tied for 12th in the NFL with 22.1 points per game. They need quarterback Derek Carr has been doing well as he is 302-of-448 (67.4 completion percentage) for 3,098 yards with 16 passing touchdowns to seven interceptions.
The defense has been their strength as they are sixth in the league with 19.1 points per game. Cornerback Paulson Adebo has been doing very well as he has 55 total tackles (44 solo, 11 assisted) with 15 pass deflections, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and a team-leading four interceptions.
Los Angeles Rams
- Points Per Game: 23.4
- Points Allowed Per Game: 22.1
- 3rd Down Efficiency: 41.89%
- 4th Down Efficiency: 60.00%
- Net Passing Yards Per Game: 235.9
- Yards Per Pass Attempt: 7.1
- Passing TDs: 21
- Rushing Yards Per Game: 121.3
- Rushing TDs: 13
- Sacks: 30
- Interceptions: 8
The Los Angeles Rams have been doing well offensively as they are 11th in both passing yards (235.9) and rushing yards (121.3) per game. With an incredible offensive-minded coach like Sean McVay, they should be able to move the ball incredibly well.
Quarterback Matt Stafford has been playing at a solid level as he has done well. He is 278-of-453 (61.4 completion percentage) for 3,320 yards with 21 passing touchdowns to nine interceptions. A big reason why has been the emergence of rookie wide receiver Puka Nacua as he has 87 receptions on 135 targets for 1,163 yards (13.4 yards per catch) with four touchdown catches.
Their defense has been struggling a bit as they are currently 19th in the NFL with 22.1 points per game allowed. All-Pro defensive tackle Aaron Donald has been doing decently well but has been putting up some empty numbers as he has 46 total tackles (23 solo and assisted) with 6.0 sacks, 13 tackles for loss and a pair of pass deflections.
Game Prediction
The New Orleans Saints have been dealing with injuries and traveling across the country on a short week feels like a tough expectation for them to be successful. These offenses lately have been on two completely different levels as New Orleans are averaging 22.8 points in their last five games while Los Angeles is scoring 33.0 points in their previous four games. The Rams are 17-4-1 ATS in their last 22 December games so go with the Los Angeles Rams to cover the spread in this game.
Final Pick
Los Angeles Rams -4
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