For the 3rd time this season, the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks will meet each other on the gridiron. Both NFC West rivals met during the 2nd half of the season in weeks 10 and 16. The Rams won the initial meeting 23-16 thanks primarily to the defense that shut down QB Russell Wilson and forced multiple turnovers. In week 16, the Seahawks got their revenge in a surprisingly low-scoring 20-9 outcome. Now both division rivals will meet for the 3rd time at Lumen Field this Saturday in the opening round of the NFC Wild Card Playoffs.
Currently, Seattle is listed as 4.5 point favorites thanks to their home field advantage following a 12-4 SU campaign that captured the NFC West title. The Rams finished 2nd in the division at 10-6 SU despite losing three of their last six games. While neither the Rams nor the Seahawks have played exceptionally well down the stretch, both teams could share some optimism as they will face the winner of Chicago/New Orleans in the NFC Divisional Round. I don’t think anyone would deny the Seahawks or Rams chances in the Divisional Round of the playoffs based on the bracket layout, meaning if either team regains their momentum, they could still make a run in this year’s playoffs.
Battle of defense in Rams vs. Seahawks
In order for the Rams or Seahawks to prevail into the next round of the playoffs, it could come down to the better play between both defenses. In a similar storyline, both the Rams and Seahawks have struggled throughout the 2nd half of the season on the offensive side of the football. However, both teams have played well on the defensive side of the football. The Rams own the NFL’s #1 ranked defense that has allowed just 281 yards per game this season. The Rams rank 1st in total defense, scoring defense allowing only 18.5 points per game, and also rank 2nd in the NFL with 53 total sacks on the season. It was the same defense that single-handedly shut down QB Russell Wilson in the Week 10 match-up, and the defense will be the key to the Rams’ chances at winning on Saturday.
While the Rams hold all the statistical advantages, we should not overlook the fact Seattle has played exceptionally well on defense during the 2nd half of the season as well. In fact, Seattle has held opponents to 17 points or less in five of their last six games, including their week 16 victory when they held the Rams to just three field goals throughout 60 minutes of play. There is a reason why this match-up between the Rams and Seahawks is listed at just 42.5 points, which is the lowest among all NFL playoff games, and that is because the defenses hold the advantage over both opposing offenses.
Rams vs. Seahawks Betting Trends
- The Rams have hit the “under” in 11 of the last 13 games.
- The Rams are 5-2 SU in the last seven games against the Seahawks.
- The Rams have hit the “under” in four of the last six games on the road.
- The Rams are just 3-13 SU in the last 16 meetings on the road in Seattle.
- The Seahawks are just 4-8 ATS in the last 12 games.
- The Seahawks have hit the “under” in seven of the last eight games.
- The Seahawks have hit the “under” in 12 of the last 18 meetings against the Rams.
- The Seahawks are 7-1 SU in their last eight games at home.
Rams vs. Seahawks Betting Analysis
Knowing that both defenses hold an advantage and scoring should be difficult, I think it would be asinine to bet against Russell Wilson and the Seahawks offense in this scenario. QB Jared Goff remains very inconsistent along with a subpar rushing attack. Goff’s turnover issues cannot be ignored, and neither can the consistency issues. Meanwhile, Seattle has an experienced playmaker at the quarterback position in Wilson that can make plays with his arm and legs. Furthermore, wide receivers Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf have proven on multiple occasions that they thrive in high-pressure situations. I cannot say the same for the Rams offense, and unless we see a completely surprising game script unfold; it will be tough to bet against the Seahawks and Wilson in this specific situation.
Obviously, I don’t expect either offense to light up the scoreboard. I have a ton of respect for the Rams defense, which played well in the week 16 match-up despite the loss. In that game, Wilson was able to make a few plays throwing a touchdown and rushing for another touchdown. The Rams would have a much better chance in a high-scoring shootout if they could get the run game going and spread the field. Unfortunately, I just don’t see that angle playing out. I believe the total is justifiably low and would even consider betting on the under. With that said, this is the Seahawks game to lose!
