This week’s Thursday Night Football game is one of the most anticipated matchups of the season, as the Seattle Seahawks (11-3) host the Los Angeles Rams (11-3).
The top seed in the NFC playoffs could end up being decided by this game.
In addition to eking out a 21-19 win against the Seahawks earlier this season, the Rams have won four of their last five trips to Seattle, setting up a compelling showdown Thursday night.
Below, I’ll take a look at the latest Rams vs Seahawks odds and make my TNF predictions for Week 16.
Updated TNF Odds Comparison
After managing a two-point win at home against the Seahawks earlier this season, the Rams are a 1.5-point road favorite for Thursday’s game. Oddly enough, that gives both teams a moneyline of -110, while the over/under is set at 44.5 points.
All NFL odds referenced for these TNF Week 16 predictions are current as of Tuesday, Dec. 16, and courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
TNF Implied Score & Team Totals
Rams 23, Seahawks 21.5
Despite being out-gained by more than 150 yards, the Rams managed a 21-19 win in the first meeting between these teams.
Oddsmakers no doubt envision a similar game, with both teams struggling to score much more than 20 points despite the teams combining to average 58.9 points per game.
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Thursday Night Football Prediction
TNF Score Prediction: Seahawks 17, Rams 14
The Seahawks lost to the Rams earlier this season because Sam Darnold threw four interceptions, and even then, Seattle had a last-second field goal attempt that could have won the game.
It’s going to be difficult for the Rams to replicate that type of performance, even if both defenses gain an edge from playing during a short week.
Outside of those turnovers and poor red-zone execution, the Seahawks dominated the Rams in that game. They had more total yards and time of possession, while going 7-for-16 on third down, whereas the Rams were just 2-for-11.
The Seattle defense slowed down the Rams more than virtually any other team this season, and on Thursday, they’ll have the extra advantage of playing at home.
As long as Darnold can avoid another disastrous four-interception performance, the Seahawks will find a way to prevail at home in a game that’s dominated by the defenses.
Thursday Night Football Bet Tips
Keep these Thursday Night Football bet tips and trends in mind before making your Rams vs Seahawks best bets.
- The Seahawks and Rams are tied for the best record against the spread, as both teams are 10-4 ATS this season.
- Los Angeles is 4-1 against the spread as a road favorite.
- Rams’ games have gone over the point total in five of six road contests.
Thursday Night Football Best Bets
TNF Over/Under Pick: Rams @ Seahawks Under 44.5 Points (-115)
While both teams are capable of scoring 30+ points in any given game, these are also two of the best defensive teams in the league. Each concedes fewer than 20 points per game on the season.
With a short week and the familiarity between the two division rivals, neither offense will have time to devise a scheme that catches the opposing defense off guard.
That should give each defense an edge, making this a low-scoring affair. Give me the Under as my NFL pick of the day for Thursday Night Football.
TNF Pick Against the Spread: Seahawks +1.5 (-122) vs Rams
The Seahawks will feel they have a point to prove after suffering a close loss in Los Angeles last month.
Darnold, in particular, will want some redemption after throwing four picks in that game. He’s thrown just one interception in the four games since then, becoming a lot more dependable.
The Seattle defense and crowd will do the rest to give the Seahawks the victory.
Thursday Night Football Prop Bet
TNF Prop: Matthew Stafford Over 0.5 Interceptions (+104)
Stafford has thrown just five interceptions this season, tied for the fewest among starting quarterbacks.
The catch is that he’s thrown three picks in his last three games, so his focus on ball security is waning.
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Meanwhile, only three teams have more interceptions than the 16 the Seattle defense has collected.
At plus-money odds, it’s worth taking a chance on the Seahawks picking off Stafford.
Thursday Night Football Parlay
Best TNF Same-Game Parlay (+550)
- Seahawks ML (-110)
- Kenneth Walker: Over 12.5 Receiving Yards (-118)
- Kyren Williams: Over 9.5 Receiving Yards (-106)
At home, the Seahawks deserve the benefit of the doubt and will find a way to win a defensive slugfest.
Since these are two of the stingiest defenses against the run, both teams will look to throw short passes to their running backs to get them the ball in space.
That should allow both Walker and Williams to surpass relatively modest totals for receiving yards.
Combine these three outcomes for your TNF Week 16 parlay.
