Rams vs. Ravens Odds, Picks, Predictions: How To Bet This NFL Week 17 Matchup With Tyler Huntley Under Center

Editor's note: NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Sunday morning that Ravens backup quarterback Tyler Huntley is likely to start in place of the injured Lamar Jackson, who missed practice on Thursday and Friday.

Rams vs. Ravens Odds

It wasn't that long ago when the Baltimore Ravens were 8-3 and looked like a lock to make it to the postseason. Since then, they've lost four straight games, and FiveThirtyEight now estimates their playoff odds at 22%.

Although Baltimore doesn't control its destiny, it could still clinch a playoff berth even with a loss against the Rams on Sunday with all the factors at play.

I'm not as concerned with the minutiae of Baltimore's playoff scenarios, but I am interested in the Ravens having at least some hope even if they suffer a fifth straight loss. I'll share my reasons as to why even the slightest chance at the playoffs is critical to my handicap for this game.

Rams vs. Ravens Matchup

So, How Good Are the Rams?

After 15 games, I'm still trying to figure out the Los Angeles Rams. Sure, they're tied for the second-best record in the league, but I still have at least five teams rated ahead of them.

For some reason, I'm just not sold on Matthew Stafford as the quarterback to lead Los Angeles back to the Super Bowl. Part of my bias is probably because I haven't seen Stafford achieve any playoff success in the NFL, even though his shortcomings likely have more to do with his previous team, the Detroit Lions, than anything else.

After digging into the numbers, I've realized that I've probably been a bit harsh on Stafford. The former No. 1 pick ranks fourth in Total QBR (63.6), and he leads all quarterbacks with a 57.4% success rate in the fourth quarter and overtime combined, and according to rbsdm.com

The Rams come into Week 17 on a four-game winning streak. I should also mention that they covered the point spread in each of those four games.

Before this recent win streak, the Rams went 2-3 and 0-5 against the spread (ATS). Not a lot of bettors would stick around to back a team that's on a five-game ATS losing streak, but I'd be remiss not to mention that the Rams were 17-point favorites in two of those games.

Nevertheless, the Rams' recent form is encouraging. They've faced the Cardinals and Vikings in December, and both games involved plenty of playoff implications. But it sure seems like the Rams are catching some of these teams at the right time, and Sunday's matchup against the Ravens is no different.

Ravens Fortunate To Be In Playoff Contention

If you had to do a post-mortem on how the Ravens' season went off the rails, you'd probably put injuries at the top of your list.

However, I could easily argue that the Ravens were fortunate to come away with four of their eight wins. Against Kansas City, Indianapolis and Minnesota, Baltimore trailed by at least double digits in the second half but still registered wins at home. And who can forget the Ravens' gift from the officials when Justin Tucker made a 66-yard field goal right after a blown delay of game penalty against the Lions?

Even Baltimore's Pythagorean expectation supports the notion that it has been fortunate this season. The Ravens' expected winning percentage (.469) is lower than the actual percentage (.533).

However, it's hard to overlook that three of Baltimore's four losses were by a combined four points during this losing streak. On two occasions, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh opted to go for the win and attempt a two-point conversion in the final minute of the regulation instead of kicking a game-tying field goal. Harbaugh's reasoning in both instances was that he didn't want to put his injured secondary back on the field if he didn't have to.

These days, coaches have to be concerned about more than just injuries regarding the status of their players. They also have to worry about players landing on the reserve/COVID-19 list. For example, while teams can rally behind a backup quarterback, things can be even more dire when they're forced to reach down even further into their depth charts.

That's precisely the situation the Ravens found themselves in last week when Josh Johnson had to start in place the injured Lamar Jackson (ankle) and his backup Tyler Huntley, who was in COVID protocols.

Now, with Baltimore's playoff chances hanging in the balance, it must decide between starting Jackson or Huntley in Week 17. Jackson was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice before missing another two days due to his ankle. Somehow, the Ravens still list him as questionable for Sunday.

To be frank, this video of Jackson noticeably limping on Wednesday has to be concerning. With Baltimore possibly waiting until Sunday to name a starter, I'm resigned to believe that my handicap is somewhat compromised.

Rams vs. Ravens Predictions

It's tough to dig deeper into the on-field analysis of both teams without knowing who will start at quarterback for the Ravens.

After watching the footage of Jackson hobbling around, I'm convinced that I don't want any part of Baltimore if he starts. I'm also less interested in backing Baltimore, given its depleted secondary.

However, the reason I still want the Ravens to have a chance at the playoffs even if they lose on Sunday has to do with not wanting to fade them in a win-or-go-home scenario.

Usually, the Ravens can count on inclement weather for a critical January home game, but it looks like it'll be around 61 degrees in Baltimore at kickoff. That won't nearly be enough to bother Matthew Stafford and the West Coast Rams.

In fact, under head coach Sean McVay, the Rams are 10-4 ATS for 5.59 units when playing in the Eastern time zone (per our Action Labs data):

However, given the uncertainty of who the Ravens will start at quarterback, I'm not rushing to the window to lay 5.5 points with the Rams.

It would behoove Baltimore to start Tyler Huntley in this game. And if the Ravens choose to do so, it wouldn't surprise me if the back door is left slightly ajar toward the end of the game.

As a result, I'd prefer to play the Rams as part of a two-team 6.5-point teaser. I'd pair them with the Steelers, who are getting 3.5 points at home against the Browns.

Pick: Two-Team 6.5-Point Teaser (-120) — Rams +1 & Steelers +10