NFL Spread Betting – 49ers vs. Rams in the NFC West

NFL spread betting in Week 16 of the NFL season heats up in the NFC West as the division-leading Rams host the 49ers at 1pm EST.

Sunday, December 26 at 1pm EST on FOX

NFL Odds: San Francisco 49ers (+2.5) at St. Louis Rams (-2.5)

Total: 39.5

The St. Louis Rams are first in the NFC West at 6-8 and the 49ers trail by 1 game. St. Louis is a profitable 9-5 ATS this year, on the strong play of rookie QB Sam Bradford. They’re coming off 2 straight SU and ATS losses to Kansas City and New Orleans. This is a much more winnable game, with a team that matches up well for St. Louis’ strengths.

While it’s crazy to imagine, these two losing-record teams are both able to win the division this year. The home team Rams should have a fired up crowd and will be playing in their own time zone. The West Coast 49ers will actually be playing at 10am their own time. That’s pretty early for a team that looks sleepy on defense at the best of times.

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San Francisco is a brutal 1-6 on the road this season and are only 5-9 ATS. They’ve found a way to lose a lot of games – especially in last week’s Thursday night beatdown against the Chargers.

The 49ers have put up an average of 17.9 points/game, surrendering 22.4. The Rams have scored at a higher clip – putting up 18.4 and allowed fewer points (21.1/game). While neither of those are dominating stats, the Rams have an edge in both categories.

Frank Gore is lost to injury this year, and Westbrook has been effective but fragile. To have success, they’ll need to run the ball. The Rams have only been allowing 113.1 yards/game and will be keying in on the rush to force Alex Smith to make mistakes in the air.

The 49ers took the first game of this matchup 23-20 in OT in San Francisco, but that was with Troy Smith throwing and Gore scoring an important touchdown. In that game, the Rams were able to score in every quarter, and that should be more than enough in this upcoming matchup.

NFL Spread Betting Pick: Take the home team. They’re certainly more than a field goal better vs. a west coast team playing in the early Sunday matchup. San Francisco has lost their best offensive weapon and will be in touch from the opening snap to move the ball.

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