The Los Angeles Rams (7-6) and San Francisco 49ers (6-7) will face off in NFL Week 15. Kickoff is set for in 8:15 p.m. EST from Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. The game will be broadcast live on Amazon Prime Video.
The 49ers are favored by 3 points over the Rams with the game total set at 49 points scored. The 49ers are -155 favorites to win outright, while the Rams are +130 to pull off the upset.
The Rams won 44-42 over the Bills last week and have won 2 straight. Matthew Stafford threw for 320 yards, 162 of which went to Puka Nacua. Kyren Williams and Nacua each scored 2 touchdowns. The 49ers won 38-13 over the Bears last week to snap a 3-game losing streak. Brock Purdy threw for 325 yards and 2 touchdowns, while George Kittle had 151 receiving yards and Jauan Jennings had 90 with 2 touchdowns.
Let's get into my Rams vs. 49ers predictions and NFL picks.
Rams vs. 49ers Odds, Pick, Prediction
| Rams Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+3 -115 | 49 -110o / -110u | +130 |
| 49ers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-3 -105 | 49 -110o / -110u | -155 |
- Rams vs. 49ers spread: 49ers -3
- Rams vs. 49ers over/under: 49 points scored
- Rams vs. 49ers moneyline: 49ers -140, Rams +120
For all of your bets, be sure to find the best lines by using our live NFL odds page.
Rams vs. 49ers Prediction
A lot of the logic I used in last week’s Packers vs. Lions preview, which led me to (incorrectly) take the under also set the foundation for my 42-1 bet that hit. This serves as a reminder that there are countless moving pieces in these games. Just because one market misses doesn’t mean the overall handicapping process was off.
As always, I’ll break down how I see this matchup setting up for both teams so you can use the insights to guide your handicapping across all markets.
There are too many major injury concerns on the 49ers side for me to commit to either side right now, but here's what I'm thinking.
DE Nick Bosa, RB Isaac Guerendo and LB Dre Greenlaw are all questionable. If they're all ruled out, this line will likely move to 49ers -2. Leonard Floyd has stepped up with Bosa out, though, and I'm confident Kyle Shanahan can scheme any running back to success. Also, Greenlaw hasn't played yet this season, so he wouldn't be much of a loss.
If those three are all active, I expect the line to move to 49ers -3.5. If the line gets to 3.5 points, I'd want to bet on the Rams. I wish this was as simple as fading the Rams because they're have gone 2-5 against the 49ers with Matthew Stafford under center, but this will be the first time that Stafford has faced them with both Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua healthy.
I have the utmost respect for the key number of three and would be interested if we get away from that at some point on Thursday.
Bet To Monitor: Rams +3.5
Rams vs. 49ers NFL Thursday Night Football Preview
When the Rams Have the Ball
I backed the Rams +3.5 on "Convince Me" last week against the Bills, partly because I felt Buffalo was in a letdown spot. The pick was also because the Rams finally look like a team worth investing in as they get closer to full health.
Last week was just the second time all season the Rams offensive line was fully intact, which was a critical factor for their success. Plus, having both Kupp and Nacua healthy has completely revitalized the offense after several weeks without them. There’s even a chance that TE Tyler Higbee returns this week after practicing in full, which would provide another boost.
Bosa is one of the most valuable defensive players in the league — arguably worth a full point against the spread — so his status is pivotal. While Leonard Floyd has stepped up with four sacks over the past three games, the 49ers pass rush isn’t the same without Bosa and it could make things easier for Stafford.
Stafford has been playing at a high level with both Kupp and Nacua on the field, but this matchup is a tougher test against a 49ers defense that ranks fourth in pass DVOA. Historically, Stafford has struggled against San Francisco with nine touchdowns to eight interceptions in seven games with the Rams. Having both Kupp and Nacua, though, give Stafford potential for a better showing.
The 49ers could also get Greenlaw back, which would be a significant lift for their defense. He has been sidelined since tearing his Achilles in last year’s Super Bowl. Even if he’s on a snap count, Greenlaw presence could provide a psychological boost for San Francisco as they have dealth with a ton of key injuries this season, getting a few key players back this week would be a huge boost.
When the 49ers Have the Ball
Brock Purdy silenced any lingering concerns about his shoulder (at least for now) with a standout performance against the Bears. He'll look to build off that, but the 49ers are facing yet another injury in their backfield with Guerendo listed as questionable after suffering a foot injury. That'd be a huge blow considering Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason are already on the injured reserve.
If Guerendo is unavailable, the team would turn to Patrick Taylor, a significant downgrade in talent, though we’ve seen Kyle Shanahan’s system elevate unheralded RBs in the past.
The bigger concern for the 49ers offense, however, lies with LT Trent Williams, who has missed the last three games with an ankle injury and is out again tonight. Williams is arguably the team’s most important player outside of Purdy, and his absence has been felt in both the run and pass game.
The Rams defense, ranked 22nd in DVOA, just allowed the Bills to drop 42 points on them. However, Los Angeles has an improving defense with a young and ascending defensive line that I believe is one of the most underrated in the league right now.
Additionally, Rams CB Cobie Durant's absence will be a big one. He has been a standout in their secondary, allowing the lowest completion rate (58%) and passer rating (75.6) when targeted.
Rams vs. 49ers Betting Trends
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