Simulation Picks
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Expert Picks
Down Robert Woods, the Rams are missing a weapon they need to take advantage of the Saints' vulnerable secondary, which is down its two starters. Nevertheless, New Orleans is on a roll offensively and should do enough to keep things rolling -- even on the road across the country on a grass field in Los Angeles. The Rams have been great at times this season, but their biggest wins are over Houston (sans Deshaun Watson), the Giants (self-explanatory) and the Cardinals (same). Against good teams at full strength, the games are much closer. Though LA will not get blown out like it did last week at Minnesota, I'm going to roll with Drew Brees and his running backs to gash the Rams on the ground and pull off the meager cover.
The Saints will be missing their top two corners, which bodes well for Jared Goff. New Orleans' win streak finally comes to an end.
Calm down, thrill-seekers who are expecting a no-holds-barred shootout. While both offenses are potent, the defenses can get it done, too. Both rank in the league’s upper half -- 13th for New Orleans, 15th for L.A. The Rams were held to seven points last Sunday by the Vikings and to 10 at home in midseason by the Seahawks. They do not slice and dice up every defense. Every total for Rams games, with one exception, has wound up in the 40s. The trends that point to an Over have pushed this number too high. L.A. wants to avoid an all-out duel for QB Jared Goff against Drew Brees and prefers ball control, with RB Todd Gurley getting a heavy dose of handoffs.
In an NFC matchup between division leaders, look for the Saints to keep their winning streak alive -- at least against the spread. Two is a prime number that will come into play in a close win or loss.
The Saints' pass defense is completely different when Marshon Lattimore is in the lineup. The Rams will be playing without Robert Woods; one less passing option for the Saints to worry about, which means added pressure on Jared Goff and the L.A. offense.