The NFC West will have two teams in the NFC Championship game this Sunday.
In the Divisional Round, the Los Angeles Rams upset the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in stunning fashion, after almost blowing a three-score lead. San Francisco found a way to defeat the Green Bay Packers with some big plays on special teams.
The 49ers finished as the sixth seed in the NFC, but they’ve already defeated the Rams twice this season. Their fan base travels well, but the Rams are pulling ticket sales shenanigans to try to block them from attending the game in Los Angeles.
Could this finally give the Rams the advantage they need over the 49ers?
Let’s dive in with our 49ers vs Rams predictions and best bets to find out.
Please note that all NFL Playoffs odds and lines are current as of noon ET on Friday, January 28, at Caesars Sportsbook.
49ers vs Rams Prediction NFC Championship Playoffs
The 49ers have had the Rams’ number this season. In the first game between these two teams, the 49ers defeated the Rams, 31-10.
Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo didn’t have to do much to help secure the victory, throwing for 182 yards and two touchdowns. Rams QB Matthew Stafford threw two interceptions, and the Los Angeles running game struggled big-time against the 49ers.
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Their second matchup resulted in another stunning loss for the Rams. The Rams lost at home in overtime, allowing the 49ers to clinch a playoff berth. Again, Stafford threw two interceptions while the running game struggled.
Both of these teams have been very good offensively and defensively this season. The 49ers haven’t been all that great defensively against the run, but they have had their way against the Rams.
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The Rams have been much better at stopping the run but will be facing a 49ers team that loves to run the football. Running back Elijah Mitchell came close to 100 yards in each of those two games he faced the Rams, carrying the ball a total of 48 times across those two contests.
Of course, Deebo Samuel has been a revelation when working out of the backfield, which has added a much-needed X-factor to San Fran’s otherwise erratically exciting offense. George Kittle typically presents matchup problems, too.
However, despite the 49ers’ tough secondary, they’ll struggle to stop Cooper Kupp, who’s on fire right now.
We’ve already seen two relatively high-scoring games between the Rams and 49ers, but while both teams are coached by great offensive minds, the Rams have superior talent. The advantage stands out along the line of scrimmage, notably when on defense with Aaron Donald, Von Miller, and Leonard Floyd, who should make Garoppolo uncomfortable and could force a game-breaking turnover or two.
NFC Championship Game Prediction: Rams 20, 49ers 13
Elijah Mitchell (pictured) and Deebo Samuel have been a dynamic rushing combo, and their success might be the 49ers’ best hope to topple the Rams in the 2022 NFC Championship Game. (Image: USA TODAY Sports)
49ers vs Rams Best Bets
Best Bet: Rams -3.5 (-105) at Caesars
Rams-49ers Wager: 1 Unit
Just like last week’s games, you can expect a close one between these two teams. The 49ers haven’t looked all that special on offense in the playoffs. In the Wild Card game, Jimmy Garopppolo threw for 172 yards while Elijah Mitchell ran for 86 yards on 27 carries.
Against the Packers, the 49ers struggled to make plays again, with Jimmy Garopplolo throwing just 11 completions the entire game. The special teams unit played a big role against the Packers, but bettors can’t count on that type of luck once again versus the more disciplined Rams.
The Rams boast the more prolific offense, and while they tried to find every way possible to lose that game against the Bucs, they were able to make a couple of plays in the end to secure the victory. That’ll happen in this one as well.
Take Los Angeles for our NFL bet of the day.
Check out more of our 49ers vs Rams Picks
Best Bet: UNDER 45.5 Total Points (-110) at Caesars
Rams-49ers Wager: 1 Unit
The 49ers had their way against Aaron Rodgers last week. While I don’t think Matthew Stafford will be as puzzled with all the talent he has around him, the 49ers will limit him when it counts.
They held the Rams to 10 points in their first matchup and 24 points in their second one. The rushing defense has been solid against the Rams, which should help the 49ers get some stops.
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Meanwhile, the Rams look electric defensively. Sure, they had a hiccup against Tom Brady and the Buccaneers, but seemingly, every team does. Remember, the Rams held the Buccaneers to just three points halfway through the third quarter of last week’s game.
I’m expecting enough defense to be played in this game to keep the total Under.
