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NFC Playoff: Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks

The NFC Wild Card Round features a battle of NFC West teams as the Los Angeles Rams (10-6) take on the Seattle Seahawks (12-4). The Seahawks will host this one on Saturday from Lumen Field, kickoff is scheduled for 4:40 pm ET.

The Rams were able to finish the regular season with an 18-7 win over the Arizona Cardinals, subsequently ending the Cardinals’ hopes of a postseason berth themselves. It was undoubtedly a defensive battle as the Rams’ offense was limited with backup John Wolford getting the start.  

With Jared Goff’s return Saturday uncertain, the Rams may once again be relying on their defense for a chance to win.

The Seahawks have won four in a row, including a 26-23 win over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. After a shaky first half of the season, their defense has come on as of late. If they can get their offense to show some consistency as well, they could be a lethal team in the postseason.

The two teams split their series throughout the regular season. In the most recent matchup, Seattle beat Los Angeles 20-9 at home on December 27.

The Seahawks are the slight favorite playing at home. They are -176 to win while the Rams’ moneyline sits at +148. The spread features Los Angeles +3 while the over/under for total points is 42.5.

By The Numbers

Offensively, Seattle has been the better of the two teams. They rank 8th in the NFL this season, averaging 28.7 points per game. Over the last three, though, they have only averaged 22 per game.  

The Rams rank 23rd in the league averaging 23.2 points but have also struggled lately, averaging just 15.7 over the last three.

Defensively, the Rams have been the best team in the NFL in terms of scoring defense. They are allowing just 18.5 points per game on the season.  

The Seahawks rank 15th allowing an average of 23.2 points per game. Over their last three, they have averaged just 15.7.

Rams Hope For Wild Card Upset May Fall On Backup

Los Angeles would love nothing more than upset their division rivals but will have their hands full as they could be shorthanded. After dislocating and breaking his thumb, Jared Goff is questionable for this game. He has been a limited participant in practice, but he would not be at full strength if he could play.

Last week, John Wolford led the team under center in their Week 17 game against the Cardinals. Wolford wasn’t overly productive, having thrown for just 231 yards, no touchdowns, and an interception, but he did enough not to lose the game for the Rams. 

It will be the defense that will be the difference-maker if they are to win this one. The stat leaders on the season are John Johnson (105 tackles), Aaron Donald (13.5 sacks), and Darious Williams (4 interceptions). 

Seattle Looking To Knockout Division Foe

It seems like the first half of the season saw a solid Seattle offense with little defense, and the second half saw just the opposite. To knockout their division foe, they may need both to step up their game. 

Leading the way under center is quarterback Russell Wilson. On the season, Wilson has thrown for 4,212 yards, 40 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. He has also rushed for 513 yards and another couple of scores.  

He has two of the best wide receivers in the league, with Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf as his targets. Lockett had 100 receptions for 1,054 yards and ten scores during the regular season, while Metcalf had 83 receptions for 1,303 yards and another ten scores.

One concern for the Seahawks and DK Metcalf is the Rams’ pesky corner, Jalen Ramsey. In two games against the Seahawks this season, he has held DK Metcalf in check, something the star wide receiver will try to break this week.

Taking Seattle To Win And Cover

As good as the Rams defense has been this season, Seattle’s defense has been almost as impressive over the last several weeks. For me, this one will come down to whose offense has the ability to perform better. 

Even if Jared Goff does play, he will likely be limited as he returns from his thumb injury. If it is Wolford starting, we saw how he struggled against a Cardinals defense that is not nearly as good as how Seattle’s has been playing. This will likely be a low scoring affair, but I still like Seattle to win at home and cover the 3-point spread.

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