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Rams vs Vikings Predictions Week 16 | NFL Pick of the Day

Frank AmmiranteSenior Sports Writer
@FAmmiranteTFJ
Last Updated: Dec 23, 2021

The 10-4 Los Angeles Rams are currently on a three-game winning streak, which has pushed them into a tie with the Arizona Cardinals for the NFC West division lead. They head to Minnesota to take on a 7-7 Vikings team that needs to win to stay alive in the playoff race.

While the Vikings have a talented offense that features studs like Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen, it’s going to be tough for their defense to slow down Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp, and the Rams’ high-flying passing offense.

Can Stafford and the Rams continue their push for the division title? Or will the Vikings inch closer to a wildcard spot with an upset win at home?

Let’s dive into our Rams vs Vikings predictions to see why Los Angeles has the edge in this NFL Week 16 matchup.

Please note that all NFL Week 16 odds and lines are current as of 1:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, December 23.


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Rams vs Vikings Prediction

The Rams offense has gotten back on track during their three-game winning streak, with Matthew Stafford combining for 826 passing yards with eight touchdowns and one interception. Cooper Kupp continues to have a historic season, putting up an absurd 30 catches for 388 yards and four touchdowns over that same span.

The Vikings will need their vaunted pass rush to get to Stafford if they’re to have a chance in this game. They’ll also need Kirk Cousins to play mistake-free football. Minnesota will have to play their best game of the season in order to pull off the upset here.

The Vikings’ defense has given up a combined 889 yards to the likes of Justin Fields, Ben Roethlisberger, and Jared Goff in their last three games. They are going to have their hands full against one of the most prolific passing games in football.

We have also seen Minnesota blow several games this season. They’ve shown a knack for this under head coach Mike Zimmer throughout the year. They blew one game to the Lions and almost lost another.

Let’s not forget about their close loss to the Cardinals and home defeat to the Cowboys at the hands of Cooper Rush.

The Vikings aren’t a very well-coached team right now. The Rams have a significant advantage in that regard with Sean McVay. Los Angeles also has the superior defense with studs like Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey, as well as Von Miller getting accustomed to his new team.

Minnesota will also likely be without star running back Dalvin Cook, who was placed on the COVID-19 list on Thursday. That will likely mean a heavy dose of Alexander Mattison, who has proven to be a capable backup.

The only thing Minnesota has going for them in this game is home-field advantage. They’re a good team, but they’re outmatched in this spot.

Prediction: Rams 31, Vikings 24


Rams vs Vikings Best Bets

Best Bet: Rams -3 (-118) at FOX Bet

Wager: 2 Units

We’re getting the better team at less than a field goal just because they’re on the road. It’s going to be tough for the Vikings defense to slow down Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp. Add in deep-threats like Odell Beckham Jr. as well as Van Jefferson and you have a recipe for disaster.

The Vikings will need to run the ball effectively while winning the turnover battle here. It sounds old-school, but that should be their approach in this one. You don’t want to get into a shootout with Stafford and McVay.

The problem is that the Rams have a stout run defense led by Aaron Donald. They’re allowing 3.7 yards per carry, which ranks second in the NFL.

Look for the Rams to take care of business here in our NFL bet of the day.

Best Bet: Over 48.5 Total Points (-110) at Caesars

Wager: 2 Units

This game has one of the highest totals on our NFL gameday odds, but I still like the Over because of how I think the Vikings defense will struggle to contain the Rams’ passing game.

The Over is 7-6-1 in Rams games and 8-6 in Vikings games this season. I think this could be one of the highest-scoring games on the Week 16 slate.

We have seen the way the Vikings have given up big production to mediocre passers in recent weeks. I expect more of the same in this spot.

Frank Ammirante’s 2021 NFL Betting Record: 24-11, +23.27 Units

Thanks for reading our Rams vs Vikings Predictions! For more NFL betting tips, check out our NFL Week 16 Best Bets.

Author

Frank Ammirante

Frank Ammirante is a Senior Sports Writer at The Game Day. Previously, he wrote for 4for4 Football and RotoBaller. Frank is a member of the Fantasy Sports Writer's Association while maintaining an active presence within the community. He has competed in industry contests like the Scott Fish Bowl, The Great Fantasy Baseball Invitational, and more. Frank will be making his debut in Tout Wars this year. He's got a diverse sporting background, but specializes in football and baseball.

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