Both the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers have their spots in the playoffs secured, so this is basically a contest to see which team has the best backups.
Here is a breakdown of the regular season finale for both teams.
Rams vs. 49ers Betting Lines, Start Time, and More
All odds from DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Spread: 49ers -4
- Moneyline: Rams (+180), 49ers (-218)
- Over/Under: 41
- Game time: 4:25 p.m. ET
- Location: Levi’s Stadium
- Channel: FOX
Rams vs. 49ers Prediction
This will be one of the few games in which there will be little to no scoreboard-watching while it is going on. That’s because both the Rams and the 49ers are in the playoff field for this season.
Because of that, many, if not most, of the biggest names will be sitting this one out, including quarterbacks Brock Purdy and Matthew Stafford, not to mention 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey.
But there could be some interest in the backup quarterback matchup, with Carson Wentz starting for the Rams against Sam Darnold of the 49ers. Wentz hasn’t thrown a pass this season, and it’s been just over a year since his last start — Week 17 for the Washington Commanders vs. the Cleveland Browns.
And Rams rookie wide receiver Puka Nacua is one of the few big names that will be in the lineup, at least to start the game. Nacua has 101 receptions and 1,445 receiving yards, and he needs four receptions and 29 receiving yards to set the NFL rookie record for both categories.
For Darnold, it’s also been about a year since his last start — Week 18 for the Carolina Panthers vs. the New Orleans Saints. Darnold has thrown only 20 passes this season, 14 of them coming two weeks ago against the Ravens.
While Aaron Donald will not play in this game, rookie defensive standouts Byron Young and Kobie Turner should be on the field for the Rams, meaning it will not be a walk in the park for Darnold.
MORE: PFN’s FREE NFL Playoff Predictor
With so many backups expected in this game, mistakes could be a big deal on Sunday. And if that’s the case, advantage 49ers. San Francisco is third in the NFL in turnover differential (+10), while the Rams are a mediocre -3 in turnover margin.
Because of the fact that both teams are heading to the postseason, many big names will be out of the lineup. This includes Purdy, McCaffrey (calf), and defensive end Arik Armstead (foot/knee).
Among the notable players the Rams will sit are Stafford, running back Kyren Williams, wide receiver Cooper Kupp, tight end Tyler Higbee, and defensive tackle Aaron Donald.
For what it’s worth, the 49ers have covered four of their last six games and are 7-4 vs. the spread against NFC opponents.
The Rams, meanwhile, are 5-1 against the spread in their last six games and are 4-1 ATS vs. NFC West opponents.
There isn’t a whole lot to be excited about in this matchup unless you look at the stars on the sidelines. The quarterback matchup at least features some big names, but points should be hard to come by in this matchup.
Take the under in this one.
Best Bet: Under 41 points (-110 at DraftKings Sportsbook)
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