The Los Angeles Rams now have a very good chance of taking over the NFC West. Surprisingly, Arizona dropped a game against Detroit, opening up the window of opportunity. With every game being critical, let’s take a look at the LA Rams vs. Minnesota Vikings Week 16 matchup, the NFL odds, and make a pick and prediction.
Los Angeles Rams vs. Minnesota Vikings pick, prediction | Week 16
- Spread: Rams -3 (Odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook)
- Moneyline: Rams -145, Vikings +125
- Over/Under: 49
Rams coming for the Cardinals
The Rams went on a nightmare of a three-game losing streak but bounced back by beating the Jags in a heavy victory and the Cardinals in a critical division matchup. Their Week 16 game against the Vikings will be another hurdle for them to take on if they want to win the division and thus put themselves in a better position for the playoffs.
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Matthew Stafford seems to have gelled well with new arrival Odell Beckham Jr., and the Rams have found form again in the last couple of weeks. A win in Week 16 will bring them even closer to the Cardinals. In fact, a win over the Seahawks and the Vikings would put the Rams level, if not ahead of Arizona.
Minnesota to finish strong?
The Vikings toughed it out against the Chicago Bears on Monday, squeezing out a win. The result puts them back at .500 with a 7-7 record and the No. 7 seed in the playoff rankings.
If the season ended today, they’d sneak into the playoffs at the back end. But the Vikings have teams on their tail.
The Saints are chasing them, as are the Washington Football Team and the Eagles, who are playing each other twice before the season ends. Minnesota has a tough schedule with the Rams up first, followed by Green Bay, and finishing against the Bears.
I don’t believe that one win out of those three games will be enough to make the cut, so this one’s big for Minnesota.
Rams vs. Vikings betting trends
The Rams went on a five-game losing streak against the spread but have since won their last two, covering against both the Cardinals and Jaguars. They’re 6-7 for the season.
The Rams face high over/under totals due to their reputation, so they have struggled to cover in the last few weeks. They’re 2-3 in their last five in the overs category, facing totals between 47 and 53 in all five of those games.
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The Vikings, meanwhile, were on a four-game streak of overs before the Bears game, which finished 17-9. It was a messy game, with a lot of flags and turnovers, and ultimately not many points. Nevertheless, the Vikings have won their last two against the spread, and are 8-6 both ATS and on over/unders for the season.
Rams vs. Vikings prediction
I like the Rams in this one, and I think the -3 spread is too small. I believe the Rams are clicking a lot better offensively. Facing the Vikings defense, which has been decimated this season and is far from up to scratch, might result in a 40-point game from Stafford, Beckham, and the rest of the team.
I don’t think the Vikings can keep up here, but I do like the over for the game. I expect the Rams to cover and 60+ points in this game.
Rams vs. Vikings Prediction: Rams 41, Vikings 20
