Saints looking for Ninth win in a row in NFC showdown vs Rams

The New Orleans Saints, fresh off their miraculous victory over the Redskins in Week 11, will roll into Hollywood to face the Los Angeles Rams and this has all the makings of the marquee game of the week. The Saints are on a nine-game winning streak and opened as 2.5-point road dogs vs the Rams, who suffered their first legitimate test of adversity this season after getting dominated by the Vikings.

SHARK BITES
  • The Saints are 2-5 ATS in their last seven games against the Rams.
  • The total has gone OVER in eight of the Saints’ last nine games in the late afternoon.
  • Todd Gurley leads the NFL with 11 TDs (8 rushing, 3 receiving).

The New Orleans Saints are 8-2 SU but should be 7-3 SU. They were down 16 points with just over three minutes to go vs Washington and were left for dead. FiveThirtyEight.com had the win expectancy for the Saints down to 1.1 percent at that point but then Drew Brees did Drew Brees things and secured the W. The rushing attack for the Saints has to be considered near the top of the NFL with Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara punishing opposing defenses and both averaging over five yards per carry. The Rams allow over 120 rushing yards per game, which plays right into the Saints’ hands. Look for the Saints, who are 8-0 SU and 6-2 ATS in their last eight, to come out with a victory.

The Rams will want to study the game tape on how Washington exploited New Orleans. Head coach Sean McVay is a wizard at play-calling and will need to pull out all the stops if they expect to produce against the resurgent Saints defense. The good news for the Rams is they still possess an elite offense with a top-five running back in Todd Gurley. The bad news is they’re 2-8 SU in their last 10 games at home (dating back to last season) and have only beaten one team with a winning record this season (Jacksonville). I wouldn’t go as far as saying the Rams are frauds but plenty of experts have jumped on the bandwagon to say they are legit contenders. They may want to take it down a notch until Los Angeles proves it can compete with the elite teams of the NFL.

The total opened at 53.5 in this potential shootout and the OVER looks promising. Both of these teams average over 30 points per game and the OVER has hit in five of New Orleans’ last seven games on the road. When you factor in that Los Angeles averages 34 points per game after losses this season, bettors should expect an offensive explosion in the City of Angels.

Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick

The point spread was settled in at -2 for the host Los Angeles Rams earlier in the week, according to Sportsbook. The OVER/UNDER betting line was hovering around 53.5, with odds movement expected during the week at Sportsbook.

Handicapping models based on recent betting stats and prediction formulas picked a 25-23 win for the Rams. Injuries during the week may cause the formula to be re-run, so check the NFL picks page before game time. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NFL matchups here.

New Orleans Saints vs Los Angeles Rams Matchup

Team Betting Records & Power Rankings

This season the Los Angeles Rams are 7-3 overall and 6-4 against the spread, while the Saints are 8-2 and 6-4 ATS. As for the totals, Los Angeles is 5-4-1 on the OU, and New Orleans is 6-4. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Los Angeles vs New Orleans injuries news.

The OddsShark Power Rankings have the Rams at No. 2 and the Saints at No. 1 heading into this contest.

Statistical Matchup

Offensively, the game matches up the Los Angeles Rams' No. 2-ranked offense (30.3 PPG) against a New Orleans Saints defense that ranks No. 8 at 19.6 PPG. The Rams passing attack has averaged 255.5 yards per game, more than the Saints give up through the air (211.3 YPG on average).

In comparing defenses, the Saints own the league's No. 17-rated front 7 in terms of stopping the run, allowing 113.8 yards per game when on the road. Los Angeles, on the other hand, rates No. 17 this week in generating rushing yards at home.

Recent Outings Betting Recap

Drew Brees led his team to victory last time out, throwing for 385 yards Sunday as the Saints downed the Redskins 34-31 at Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

The Rams suffered a Week 11 loss against Minnesota in their last game, falling 24-7 at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Betting Trends
  • New Orleans is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games
  • New Orleans is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
  • The total has gone OVER in 9 of New Orleans' last 13 games
  • New Orleans is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
  • LA Rams is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
  • LA Rams is 7-14-1 ATS in its last 22 games
  • LA Rams is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
  • The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Rams' last 6 games

Next Betting Matchups

New Orleans home to Carolina, Sunday, December 3
Los Angeles at Arizona, Sunday, December 3

The Saints are 2-5 ATS in their last seven games against the Rams. The total has gone OVER in eight of the Saints’ last nine games in the late afternoon.away Todd Gurley leads the NFL with 11 TDs (8 rushing, 3 receiving).home
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