If you’re looking for a game with the most playoff implications on this Week 18 NFL betting slate, the NFC West tilt in San Francisco may not be at the top of your list. But if there’s a game, we can bet it!
Despite a shaky first-half showing against the lowly Commanders, the 49ers did their job in Week 17 while getting help from the Philadelphia Eagles to secure the number-one seed in the NFC.
Meanwhile, the Rams eked out a win at MetLife Stadium over the Giants, securing a six or seven-seed.
Neither team has much to play for in this one, but the Rams have a big game next week, while the 49ers are in week one of a potential two-week rest window. Predicting the overall coaching approach on both sides could provide betting value for this matchup.
Rams vs 49ers Odds
NFL odds used for this Los Angeles vs San Francisco preview were found at DraftKings Sportsbook and are current as of Jan. 3 at 6:00 a.m. EST.
- Moneyline: 49ers (-170) • Rams (+154)
- Spread: 49ers -3.5 (-112) • Rams +3.5 (-108)
- Total Points: Over 42.5 (-110) • Under 42.5 (-110)
- Implied Score: 49ers 23, Rams 19
Rams vs 49ers Predictions
Score Pick: 49ers 20, Rams 17
Early indications are that most San Francisco starters (excluding the banged-up Christian McCaffrey) will play at least the start of the game on Sunday. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Rams follow that trend in hopes of keeping their offensive momentum heading into Wild Card Weekend.
While play calls will surely be a bit conservative, with nothing to play for on either side (except seeding for the Rams), there will still be plenty of offensive talent both ways in the first two quarters.
However, we could see a drop-off in the second half when some substitutes enter the game, and the two coaches focus more on remaining healthy than offensive production. That idea and the wide range of outcomes in the 4th quarter may provide the best betting angles for this contest.
Rams vs 49ers Best Bets & Props
4Q Under 12.5 (-115)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
Regardless of the score when we reach the 4th quarter, it seems logical to suggest that neither team will feel the need to push the envelope on offense, leading to a 4th quarter Under as the NFL bet of the day.
We could see some backup quarterback play at this point. A large gap in points would lead to running plays galore, while a short gap in points might lead to unique play calls to avoid overtime.
Regardless of how this game plays out, contests with little to gain by way of victory tend to lack explosive plays and fireworks in the last handful of minutes.
HT / FT - Rams / Rams (+285)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 0.5 units
We can have some fun and boost this Rams moneyline wager if we take them to have the lead at halftime and close out the contest.
The play comes back to the fact that San Francisco is likely resting most starters in the second half, regardless of the score. Meanwhile, the Rams can gain a seed by winning, and the positive momentum of beating a first-place division rival in Week 18 might be too tempting to pass up.
Is this scenario likely? No. But the live line on this is that if the Rams are winning by three at halftime, it will be pretty close to even money, so there’s absolutely value here with a lot of question marks in play.
Successful 2-Point Conversion - Yes (+330)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 0.5 units
We have two offensive-minded, aggressive head coaches, and both have very little to lose if an aggressive play call goes wrong.
This bet could cash simply because one of these coaches wants to test out a particular goal line set before the playoffs or if there is a late score and one of the coaches is trying to avoid overtime. Over 3/1 odds on those scenarios is a valuable enough line for me to take a shot!
Rams vs 49ers Same Game Parlay
Rams vs 49ers SGP (+102)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
- 49ers Under 27.5 (-258)
- Rams +7.5 (-214)
- Under 47.5 (-231)
Whether San Francisco leads in the second half or not, I expect them to take their foot off the gas with subs and conservative play calls. That should allow the Rams to keep this one within a touchdown and keep the Niners total and the overall total under the above numbers.
Notice how I kept my units relatively light this week, which I recommend for games like this in which coaching decisions (which we can’t possibly know about) heavily influence how this game may unravel.
