Seahawks vs Rams Odds & Picks Week 18: Trust Seattle To Finish Strong In L.A.

The Seattle Seahawks travel to Los Angeles at 3-point favorites to take on a Rams team that has secured a playoff berth, but doesn't yet know it's playoff seeding or first-round opponent. The total in this game is set at 39.5.

The Rams currently own the No. 3 seed in the NFC, but they could drop down to the No. 4 seed with a loss and a Bucs win over the Saints. That said, most reporters are speculating that Sean McVay will prioritize rest over playoff seeding in this one.

Seattle will be playing for pride as their playoff hopes were recently squashed. Perhaps the Seahawks can get a little revenge from their 26-20 OT loss to the Rams in Week 9.

Check out all the Seahawks vs Rams odds and my analysis below.

Seahawks vs Rams Odds Week 18

Seattle Seahawks vs. Los Angeles Rams, January 5th, 4:25 pm ET

Odds as of Jan. 4 via bet365

Seahawks vs Rams Week 18 Picks

Seahawks -3 (-105)

Wager made Dec. 31

It's tough to think of a team that could use a week of rest more than the Los Angeles Rams and I think L.A. coach Sean McVay makes that his priority this week. I'm expecting Seattle's starters to be matched up with Rams backups throughout much of this contest. 

The Rams had an early bye week (Week 6) and have dealt with nagging injuries all season long. For instance, Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua missed chunks of time in September and October with injuries and Kupp hasn't looked himself since. The Rams offensive line has been a revolving door throughout the season and Matthew Stafford would surely appreciate rest for his 36-year-old body.

Seattle's defense has been playing a lot better since these two teams last played (Week 9) in a game Seattle recorded zero sacks. The Seahawks have recorded 10 sacks in their last two games and should get plenty of penetration. You could argue Seattle was still the better team in Week 9 as they recorded more total yards and had more yards per play.

Seahawks vs Rams Week 18 Props

Smith-Njigba O 60.5 yards (-110)

Seattle wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba has been hot lately and has gone over this number in eight of his last nine games. The Rams are expected to rest starters and Smith-Njigba should feast.

Geno Smith has millions of dollars on the line in incentives, so expect him to lean on his safety blanket who has collected 96 passes on the season. Smith-Njigba can help Geno hit his incentives while Geno can help Smith-Njigba hit the 100 reception mark on the season.

Seahawks vs Rams Week 18 News

Rams backup QB  Jimmy Garoppolo will get the nod as Matthew Stafford rests. It's possible youngster Stetson Bennett could also get a few snaps in this one.

Seattle quarterback Geno Smith is 186 passing yards short of a $2 million contract incentive. Smith can earn even more cash if he finishes with a completion percentage above his career high mark (69.755%). With a current 70.2% completion percentage, there's a decent chance Geno hits that mark too. 

Seahawks vs Rams Week 18 Betting Trends