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Week 16 of the NFL season kicks off on Thursday Night Football with a critical NFC matchup. The Los Angeles Rams (7-7) host the New Orleans Saints (7-7) at SoFi Stadium. Both teams earned key wins at home in Week 15.
The Rams notched a 28-20 win last week over the Washington Commanders to move to 4-1 in the last five games since their bye week. Quarterback Matthew Stafford‘s played his best football of the year in the last four weeks, averaging 265 yards per game and throwing 12 touchdowns to just one interception. The Rams’ offense is now ninth in the league in points per game (23.4) and eighth in yards per game (357.2). Second-year running back Kyren Williams has shined as well, with nearly 150 yards from scrimmage per game in the last four matchups.
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The Saints find themselves still alive in the playoff hunt thanks to consecutive wins over the Carolina Panthers and New York Giants. They’re tied with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 7-7 atop the NFC South but the Buccaneers own the tiebreaker at this point thanks to their Week 4 win. Quarterback Derek Carr had his best game of the season last time out against the Giants despite missing wide receiver Chris Olave. The win was also the Saints’ first turnover-free game since Week 9 and the defense’s best performance since Week 5.
The winner of this game gets an early jump in the NFC playoff picture ahead of Sunday’s action. A Rams win jumps them ahead of Minnesota to the sixth seed in the playoffs. A Saints win gives them the NFC South lead and, if the Buccaneers win this week, a better record heading into their Week 17 matchup in Tampa Bay.
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Saints vs. Rams predictions:
Sportsbook Wire: Rams 24, Saints 17
Cameron DaSilva says, “Their records may be the same, but the Rams are playing much better football than the Saints are right now. They had impressive wins over the Seahawks and Browns since their Week 10 bye, and they also took the Ravens into overtime.”
NOLA.com: Rams 31, Saints 20
Spencer Urquhart writes, “This matchup is interesting in that both teams have a lot to play for, but there’s one side that seems to have a clear advantage here. That would be the Rams, as they’ve been playing inspired football and are finally fully healthy on offense to where the Saints likely won’t be able to slow them down enough to pull the upset.”
Sporting News: Rams 24, Saints 17
Vinnie Iyer writes, “The Rams are the better overall team, the better coached team, and the team with the better veteran QB. That’s plenty of reason to side with them on a short week.”
Fox Sports: Los Angeles 25, New Orleans 18
Will Hill notes, “[The Rams] have a borderline HOF QB in Matthew Stafford, as well as emerging young weapons on offense in Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams, to go along with Cooper Kupp. I don’t like much about this Saints team, and my opinion isn’t swayed by a couple of blowout wins at home over the Carolina Panthers and Giants.”
Pickswise: Los Angeles Rams -4
Jon Martin writes, “It is tempting to take the 4 points with New Orleans, but I just don’t think they’re whole enough at this point with their banged-up personnel. It’s one thing to beat up on the Panthers and Giants, but this is a big step up in competition. I could get involved here with a healthier Saints team, but as is, I have to roll with the hot hand at home in Los Angeles.”
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How to watch Thursday Night Football Week 16 Saints vs. Rams: TV and streaming
- When: Thursday, Dec. 21
- Where: SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California
- Time: 8:15 p.m. ET/5:15 p.m. PT
- TV: N/A
- Stream: Amazon Prime
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Thursday Night Football Week 16: Saints vs. Rams lines, betting trends
The Rams are favorites to defeat the Saints, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2023.
Betting odds, as of Wednesday afternoon:
- Spread: Rams (-4)
- Moneyline: Rams (-200); Saints (+165)
- Over/under: 46
Fantasy Football News:
Olave’s health was one of the biggest question marks of the week. He’d totaled at least 100 yards from scrimmage or a touchdown in each of his last five games. Coach Dennis Allen confirmed the second-year wide receiver will play against the Rams, a big boost for the Saints’ offense as well as fantasy owners.
Los Angeles is 21st in the league in passing yards allowed and 28th in pressure rate. With Olave back in the lineup, Carr could have another big day in what could turn into a shootout at SoFi Stadium.
On the Rams’ side, only one player is listed as out for Thursday Night Football – cornerback Tre Tomlinson – and guard Joe Noteboom is listed as questionable. Tackle Rob Havenstein is expected to play and should help secure the pocket for Stafford. The Saints’ defense is near league-average in pressure rate and is tied for 24th in sacks. With Havenstein back, expect another big day for Stafford and the rest of the Rams’ offense.
Williams could have another good game again on TNF thanks to the Saints’ 24th-ranked rush defense. New Orleans is giving up 126.4 yards per game on the ground this season.
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