Two teams with playoff aspirations throw down on Thursday night when the New Orleans Saints travel to SoFi Stadium in Inglewood to take on the L.A. Rams. The Saints are on a 2-game winning streak and remain hopeful that they can win the NFC South. The Rams have won 4-of-5 with the lone loss coming against the AFC 1-seed Baltimore Ravens in their last 5. Which team steps it up on Thursday night? See below for NFL odds, analysis, and a free pick for Saints at Rams.

New Orleans Saints vs. Los Angeles Rams Game Information

Not surprised but not finished. pic.twitter.com/yKJFlYdPQu

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) December 18, 2023

• When: Thursday, December 21st, 2023. 8:15pm EST.
• Where: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California
• TV: Prime Video
• Radio: 105.3 WWL-FM (Saints) // 93.1 Jack FM (Rams)
• Live Stream: NFL+
• NFL Odds: Saints (+4.5) // Rams (-4.5)

Why Bet on the New Orleans Saints?

In their last 2 games, the Saints defense has rocked. Facing the Carolina Panthers, the Saints stepped it up on D, allowing just 6 points. New Orleans sacked Bryce Young 4 times and recorded 2 of 3 forced fumbles.

Then versus the scorching Giants, the Saints defense was fantastic. New Orleans sacked Tommy DeVito 7 times for 57 lost yards. The Saints held Saquon Barkley to 14 rushing yards on 9 carries. The Giants, like Carolina in the game before, scored 6 points.

Derek Carr has dominated in his last few games. Although New Orleans lost to Detroit a few games ago, Carr played great. The former Raiders quarterback really stepped it up versus Carolina, throwing 2 TDs and leading the Saints to a 28-6 win over Bryce Young and the Panthers.

Carr played well against the Panthers, but he was fantastic versus the Giants. The Saints signal- caller completed 23-of-28 passes for 213 yards and threw 3 touchdowns. Alvin Kamara had 5 catches for 44 yards and rushed for 66 yards on 16 carries in the Saints 24-6 victory.

Why Bet on the Los Angeles Rams?

The Rams defense is playing okay but not great. Los Angeles gave up 37 points to the Baltimore Ravens in a 37-31 overtime loss a couple of games ago.

Then against the terrible Washington Commanders, the Rams allowed 20 points in a 28-20 win. If the Rams play defense against the Saints the way they did versus D.C., the Saints could drop 30.

If LAR is going to make the playoffs, it will be because Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp, Kyren Williams and Puka Nacua get it done. The Rams offensive skill position stars have played great football in recent weeks.

Versus Washington, Stafford completed 25-of-33 for 258 yards and threw 2 touchdowns. Kupp had 8 catches for 111 yards and a TD. Nacua caught 5 passes for 50 yards, and Williams rushed for 152 yards and a TD on 27 carries.

Saints vs. Rams Betting Trends

• New Orleans is 4-10-1 ATS in the last 15 games.
• The Saints are 6-3 SU in its last 9 games against an opponent in the National Football Conference West division.
• The totals went under in 16 of New Orleans’ last 20 games.
• Los Angeles is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 games.
• The Rams are 4-1 SU in its last 5 games.
• The totals went under in 5 of the Rams’ last 6 games at home.

Saints vs. Rams Expert Betting Predictions

The Rams offense is clicking for sure, but the Saints defense is playing well enough to contain Kupp, Nacua, and Williams. The key for the Rams in this will be top block the Saints pass rush, which has produced 11 combined sacks in New Orleans last 2 games.

Stopping Cam Jordan, Brian Breese, and Tanoh Kpassagnon won’t be easy. Then when the Rams are on defense, they will struggle to get to Derek Carr and bottle up Alvin Kamara.

The Saints are playing like a playoff bound team. New Orleans has hit their stride. Expect the Saints to get it done on the money line.

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