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The Los Angeles Rams will take on the Seattle Seahawks to kick off the fifth week of NFL action. It's time to continue our NFL odds series and make a Rams-Seahawks prediction and pick.
This game has playoff implications even though it's only Week 5. Both of these teams play in the hyper-competitive NFC West, a division that has an argument for being the best in the NFL. The Rams took a tough loss at the hands of the Arizona Cardinals to open division play in Week 4, making this game even more important for Los Angeles. A loss here would allow Seattle to tie for second place in the division and put some doubt in the Rams' ability to actually win this division. On the other hand, the Seahawks would become the favorite to challenge the Cardinals for first place with a victory here. This is a crucial game for these rivals, and it should be one of the most entertaining contests of the season.
Here's how the bookmakers have set the lines for Thursday's matchup.
NFL Odds: Rams-Seahawks Odds
Los Angeles Rams -2 (-116)
Seattle Seahawks +2 (-104)
Over 54 1/2 points (-115)
Under 54 1/2 (-105)
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Why The Rams Could Cover The Spread
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Los Angeles always has one distinct advantage in their matchup against Seattle, and that hasn't changed as the Rams head into this game. Seattle's offensive line has tons of trouble protecting quarterback Russell Wilson, and the LA defense is fantastic at rushing the passer. The Rams have racked up 12 sacks and 21 quarterback hits over four contests; two incredibly good numbers. Seattle has had trouble stopping opposing pass-rushers, allowing the ninth-most sacks in the NFL and plenty of pressures to go with those sacks. Expect defensive coordinator Raheem Morris's group to have a field day in the Seahawks' backfield in this game.
While Seattle has actually been surprisingly good at rushing the passer, they've struggled tremendously to cover opposing receivers. They've allowed over 300 yards passing in their last three games, and now they face one of the best offenses in the league. Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has one of the most underrated receiving corps in the league to throw to, as well as a solid tight end in Tyler Higbee. Expect Stafford to lead the Rams to over 28 total points, as Seattle has proven that they can't really stop anybody, much less an offense as explosive as Los Angeles'.
Why The Seahawks Could Cover The Spread
As is often the case with Seattle, they'll count on Russell Wilson to put the team on his back for this game. Luckily for the Seahawks, this strategy has worked out well for them.
Wilson is off to a fantastic start to the year, posting 1,044 passing yards and ten total touchdowns. The explosive wide receiver duo of DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett have certainly helped Wilson's production, and that should continue in this contest. This Rams secondary was just absolutely torched by the Arizona Cardinals, and Seattle's passing offense compares well to Arizona's. Expect the ball in Wilson's hands for a vast majority of the offensive plays from the Seahawks.
A factor that can't be overlooked in this game is home field advantage. Lumen Field provides one of the biggest advantages in the NFL, and the importance of that cannot be overstated. Wilson has historically been a much better passer when playing at home, earning more yards per game, more touchdowns, and less interceptions on his home turf over the course of his career. The defense receives an obvious boost from the suffocating noise that the crowd provides. The 12th man should have a real impact on this game, especially since this is Matt Stafford's first game against the Seahawks as a member of the Rams.
Final Rams-Seahawks Prediction & Pick
Games between these two teams are always tight, exciting affairs, but the pick is clear in this one. The Rams have looked like the far superior team throughout the beginning of the season and it's honestly shocking to be able to get them at less than a field goal. Hammer Los Angeles and don't look back.
FINAL PICK: Los Angeles Rams -2 (-115)
