Game: Los Angeles Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks

Date: December 18th at 8:15 PM ET

Where to Watch: Prime Video

In a Thursday night battle for the ages, we have a matchup between two premier NFC West teams, in what very well might be the game that determines the number one overall seed. Both teams have been spectacular in their own ways, with the Rams and their prolific offense, and Seattle with their stout defense. The Rams enter this one on a two-game win streak, with an 11-3 overall record, and currently sit atop the NFC West. As mentioned, this offense has been prolific, ranking second in both yards and points per game (383.6 yards per game) and (30 points per game). The defense hasn’t been too shabby either, allowing 320.8 yards per game (13th in the NFL), paired with 18.6 points per game (3rd in the NFL). Seattle, who will have the home-field advantage in this one, has been red hot, riding a four-game win streak and also holding an 11-3 record. Seattle’s offense has been top ten in production, as they’re ninth in yards per game (350.6), and fifth in points per game (28.9). Their defense is one of the best in the league, sitting fourth in yards allowed per game (283), as well as second in points allowed per game (17.3). Los Angeles narrowly took the first matchup between these teams in a 21–19 game, but with even more on the line in this one, it will be fascinating to see which team comes out on top.

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Weather

It’s gearing up to be a classic Seattle day, with temperatures in the mid-40s and a 60% chance of rain. Winds could certainly play a factor as well, averaging around 10 mph, with gusts up to 21 mph.

Betting Overview

When this game opened in the betting markets, we saw the Rams at -1.5, with some books holding that number, while others have moved to -1. Based on the moneyline, this game is essentially a pick ’em, with the Rams at -110, and the Seahawks at -105. The over/under in this one hasn’t moved much either, opening at 44.5, with some books moving to 44.

Position Group & Coaching Comparisons

Coaching: This Seahawks coaching staff is still relatively new. You have a head coach in Mike Macdonald, and a defensive coordinator in Aden Durde, who have been together for almost two seasons. Klint Kubiak is brand new this season, and they’re going up against the well-oiled machine led by Sean McVay. Both of his coordinators come from big football families, and when it comes down to it, I’d give the coaching edge to the Rams.

DLs vs. OLs: The battle up front strongly favors the Rams in this one. Seattle has struggled at times in protection, though their defensive line isn’t too bad. Los Angeles is simply great on both sides of the line, and there aren’t many teams in the NFL that can compare to them.

QBs: It’s hard to bet against Matt Stafford at this point. The weather conditions in this one are a little worrisome, as Stafford hasn’t been at his best when precipitation is involved, but it’s hard to argue with how strong his season has been thus far.

RBs & TEs vs. LBs: The battle in the middle of the field is pretty balanced here, with both teams having strong running backs. The edge at tight end and linebacker slightly favors Seattle, though not by much.

WRs vs. Secondaries: This will be a terrific battle of good on good on the outside. Seattle has a really strong secondary, and the Rams have a great receiver room. The hamstring injury Davante Adams suffered last week is a little worrisome, therefore I would lean Seattle here as well.

Betting Trends

Over the last 10 matchups between these teams, we’ve seen the Rams cover in 8 of 10, and the under has hit in 7 of 10. As previously stated, the Rams pulled out the first matchup this season in a game where they were favored by 3, so Seattle ended up covering, and the under 49.5 hit in the 21–19 contest.

Los Angeles has been a really strong ATS team this season at 10-4, with a 4-2 record on the road, a 4-1 record as a road favorite, and a 2-2 record in the division. Totals have split 7 apiece, with overs being more favorable on the road hitting in 5 of 6, 4 of 5 as a road favorite, and 3 of 4 in the division.

Seattle is also a 10-4 ATS team, with a 4-3 record at home, an 0-1 record as a home underdog, and a 3-1 record in the division. Totals have leaned toward the over hitting in 8 of 14 games, with 4 of 7 at home. In the lone game as a home underdog, the under hit, and in the four games in the division, the under hit in 3 of 4.

Final Thoughts

With what will easily be the best Thursday night game of the season in terms of implications, you know both teams are going to bring their A-game. This game is especially tough given the in-division aspect of it. The weather in this matchup is really concerning, more so for the Rams, as this Seahawks team is used to the elements. I don’t have a strong lean in this game, though I’d have to favor the home team in this one, and I’d slightly lean toward the over for the total.