The New Orleans Saints (4-7) host the Los Angeles Rams (5-6). Our Rams vs Saints prediction is for underdog New Orleans to cover the 2.5-point spread.
New Orleans started the season losing seven of their first nine games and head coach Dennis Allen was fired. They have won two straight under interim coach Darren Rizzi.
Los Angeles has won four of six after a 1-4 start to stay within striking distance of the NFC West lead.
Head-to-head, the Rams have won 44 and lost 35.
Offshore Odds: New Orleans is a Slight Underdog at Home
| Team | Spread | Money Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rams | -2.5 (-115) | -148 | O 49.5 (-105) |
| Saints | +2.5 (-105) | +128 | U 49.5 (-115) |
LA Holds Its Destiny in Its Hands
Although 2024 was supposed to be a transition year for Los Angeles with the retirement of Aaron Donald, they are still in playoff contention. Part of that is due to the rampant parity in the NFL. Part of it is because the divisional favorite San Francisco has been injured and underperformed. This leaves an opening for LA, Arizona, and Seattle.
LA controls its fate. If it beats their divisional foes, they have a great chance of taking the division. First, they need to get past New Orleans.
In Week 12, Philadelphia blew them out 37-20. Philly’s Saquon Barkley accounted for more than 300 yards. Defending against the run has been a problem for LA all season. They are ranked 28th in rushing yards allowed per game and will need to contain the Saints’ Alvin Kamara to win. New Orleans is in the top 10 in rushing yards per game.
The Saints are one of the league’s worst teams against the pass, so expect Matthew Stafford to come out firing.
Saints Have Won Two Straight After Coaching Change
After Rizzi took over as interim head coach, the team won two in a row. The first was a squeaker over their NFC South rival Atlanta. The second was a blowout over Cleveland.
Their schedule is moderately favorable, so a run to a playoff spot — though highly unlikely — is still possible.
Much of New Orleans’ struggle was due to Derek Carr’s oblique injury. Backup Spencer Rattler was not ready for prime time. Their defense remains problematic and they are without star receiver Chris Olave, out with a concussion. They will need a big performance from Kamara to beat the Rams.
New Orleans faces the New York Giants in Week 14. Wins over LA and New York would put them at 6-7 with four games remaining. They are currently only two games out of first place.
Rams vs Saints Prediction: A Close Game in New Orleans
New Orleans has played well under Rizzi. If Kamara has a big game, they could win outright. The Saints should stay close enough to cover the 2.5-point spread even if they do not win.
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