Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers 1/7/24 – As the NFL regular season draws to a close, the Week 18 matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers is set to be a highlight. The Rams, with a 9-7 record, face the 49ers who have secured a 12-4 standing, making this game a crucial battle for postseason positioning. This encounter is not only significant for the teams but also for those seeking Super Bowl free picks today.
Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers 1/7/24
| When: | Sunday, January 7, 2024, at 4:25 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Levi’s Stadium |
| TV: | FOX |
| Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rams | +4 -105 | o41 -110 | +175 |  |
| 49ers | -4 -115 | u41 -110 | -205 | |
| ||||
This rivalry won't rest for anyone. 🍿 pic.twitter.com/Vdt1coqWco
— x – Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) January 5, 2024
Brett Rypien QB vs. Sam Darnold QB
Brett Rypien will get his second career start for the Rams. In his only prior start this season, Rypien struggled mightily, completing just 47.4% of his passes for 172 yards (4.5 yards per attempt), no touchdowns, one interception, and three sacks. His 49.5 quarterback rating in that game shows just how ineffective he was moving the ball down the field. Now Rypien must face the 49ers’ top-ranked pass defense that has racked up 71 sacks this year, the most in the NFL. The fact that he took three sacks and averaged under 5 yards per attempt against a lesser defense does not bode well for his chances avoiding San Francisco’s fierce pass rush.
Sam Darnold has posted decent numbers in relief duty of the injured Jimmy Garoppolo this season. In nine games and two starts, Darnold has completed 60% of his 20 pass attempts for one touchdown, one interception, and 108 total passing yards. His three sacks taken and 5.4 yards per attempt are respectable given the small sample size. As long as Darnold protects the football and efficiently distributes to playmakers, he gives San Francisco enough balance paired with their dynamic ground game. But if forced to throw more should the Rams slow down the run, Darnold’s flaws could get exposed and create turnovers for LA’s defense.
Rams’ Rushing and Receiving Proficiency
Los Angeles Rams have shown moderate ground game output, led by Royce Freeman with 317 rushing yards during the season. Their aerial attack, however, has proven significantly more efficient; Puka Nacua accumulated 1445 receiving yards over 16 games as an indispensable asset to their offensive strategy.
49ers’ Balanced Offensive Approach
San Francisco 49ers’ offensive game plan has been more evenly spread out. Jordan Mason has shown effective usage when utilized, maintaining an average of five yards per carry when active. Brandon Aiyuk’s 1317 receiving yards attest to their well-rounded approach that prioritizes both on-ground and aerial attack strategies.
NFL Betting Odds: San Francisco 49ers -205, Over/Under: 41
The odds favor the 49ers with a -205 moneyline and a spread of -4, reflecting their strong season performance and home-field advantage. The over/under set at 41 points indicates expectations of a moderately high-scoring game.
Trends
Los Angeles Rams Betting Trends
LA Rams are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games.
The total has gone OVER in 5 of LA Rams’ last 6 games.
LA Rams are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games.
Rams are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games against San Francisco.
LA Rams are 1-9 SU in their last 10 games against San Francisco.
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Rams’ last 5 games on the road.
San Francisco 49ers Betting Trends
San Francisco are 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games.
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Francisco’s last 6 games.
San Francisco are 7-1 SU in their last 8 games.
San Francisco are 13-2 SU in their last 15 games at home.
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Francisco’s last 5 games when playing at home against LA Rams.
San Francisco are 6-0 SU in their last 6 games against an opponent in the National Football Conference conference.
Los Angeles vs. San Francisco 49ers Betting Picks
Considering the overall performance and recent trends, the 49ers seem to have an upper hand in this matchup. Their stronger quarterback play and more balanced offense, coupled with an impressive home record, make them the favorable pick.
For bettors exploring options on the best online sportsbook, this game presents an intriguing opportunity. The 49ers’ strong SU record, especially at home, and the Rams’ struggles against San Francisco in recent matchups, lean towards a 49ers win. However, considering the Rams’ recent ATS trend, they could cover the spread.
Score Prediction: 49ers 27, Rams 20
