With hot-seat candidate Ron Rivera still at the helm, the Commanders (4-9) head to Los Angeles to take on the Rams (6-7), who are still trying to scrap their way to the playoffs despite a year full of injuries and underperformances.
While there are many games for gamblers to choose from on this NFL Week 15 betting slate, two gunslinging quarterbacks with plenty of pass-catching weapons create an ideal environment for points on both sides of the ball.
The fast track at SoFi Stadium should be a great venue for Sam Howell and Matthew Stafford to duel it out. Let’s see who can get back in the win column on Sunday afternoon in Inglewood.
Commanders vs Rams Odds
NFL odds used for this Washington vs Los Angeles preview were found at DraftKings Sportsbook and are current as of Dec. 13 at 10:00 am ET.
- Moneyline: Rams (-298) • Commanders (+240)
- Spread: Rams -6.5 (-110) • Commanders +6.5 (-110)
- Total Points: Over 49 (-112) • Under 49 (-108)
- Implied Score: Rams 28, Commanders 21
Commanders vs Rams Predictions
Score Pick: Rams 30, Commanders 27
The total in this NFC tilt sits on the higher end at 49, and for good reason. The Commanders rank dead last in defensive DVOA, and they have only gotten worse since the departure of their stud defensive ends at the trade deadline.
Meanwhile, Howell and the rest of the Commanders offense had a bye week to get back on track, and they indeed took note of how Lamar Jackson and the Ravens dismantled this Rams passing defense. The only question will be whether or not the offensive line can keep Aaron Donald from wreaking havoc.
This one could turn into a “last possession” type of affair, and while the Rams defense is in a much better place to get that final stop for the victory, we’ve continuously seen their league-worst special teams unit cause problems down the stretch.
Ultimately, an offense that looked rejuvenated last week should get the Rams home. Still, the Commanders have the pieces to hold their own in a relatively tame away environment after a week of rest and studying.
Commanders vs Rams Best Bets & Props
Over 49 (-112)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 2 units
Two fast-paced offenses with dangerous passing weapons should lead to plenty of chunk plays for the NFL bet of the day. Tack on the fact that the Rams’ RB Kyren Williams and the Commanders’ RB combo of Brian Robinson and Antonio Gibson can break off big plays of their own, and we’re looking at a perfect “Over” environment in LA.
Washington’s defense should provide little resistance, and the Rams aren’t the defensive force they once were. Rooting for points here should be a winning proposition, and I expect this O/U number to eclipse 50 by the time it kicks off, providing early bettors some solid CLV.
Commanders Over 23.5 (+142)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
On top of the above reasons, we have some desperate coaches looking to prove their worth in DC. With the Rams expected to score at will, we should see plenty of chances for answers from the Commanders offense.
Look for Howell and company to overcome a few sacks with some downfield throws to get Washington over this team total, even if it comes down to a two-point conversion towards the end of the game.
Rams to Win By 1-6 (+285)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 0.5 units
The Rams are a -300 favorite, and if we predict the Commanders to keep this one close and/or score a backdoor touchdown/field goal to make it a one-possession game, we are all of a sudden boosted to +285.
Is there a world in which the Commanders get blown out once again? Sure. But with jobs on the line and a Rams defense that’s susceptible to a pass-heavy offense, I’ll bet on Washington to keep this one within the number without hurting their rising draft stock.
Commanders vs Rams Same Game Parlay
Commanders vs Rams SGP (+355)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 0.5 units
- Rams Over 23.5 (-265)
- Commanders +10.5 (-201)
- Commanders Over 19.5 (-148)
- Highest Scoring Half: 2nd Half (-110)
The Rams and Commanders have the firepower to eclipse these adjusted team totals. We’ll also give Washington a little cushion on the spread to keep them within 10.5 points, which provides some security in case the Rams can kick a field goal to extend their lead while milking the clock.
Lastly, I expect both teams to establish a running game early. The first quarter might be surprisingly low-scoring, but by the time the third quarter comes around, both offenses should turn to what they do best: Passing.
We should see some fast-paced, chunk offense in the second half, so I like the value at -110 for the second half to be higher scoring.
