Patriots vs. Rams: The best betting props for TNF

Time isn’t a luxury the New England Patriots have in their bid to make the 2020 NFL Playoffs. 

The Pats have a 6-6 record, thanks to wins in four of their last five games, and are still alive in the playoff race. However, they’ll need to keep winning and get some help from around the NFL to slip into the postseason.  

A win over the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday would be huge for New England's postseason aspirations. At the same time, the Rams are in a fight with the Seattle Seahawks for the NFC West title. This sets up what should be a good matchup for Thursday Night Football.

Here are the three betting props we like most for New England Patriots vs. Los Angeles Rams.

Anytime touchdown scorer

Cam Akers became a focal point for the Rams' running game in a big Week 13 win over the Arizona Cardinals, rushing for 72 yards on 21 carries. He also had a touchdown and one reception for 22 yards. 

That was the highest number of rushing attempts for the rookie running back since the opening week of the season. His performance also included an uptick in the number of red zone opportunities, which should grab the attention of those looking to bet on the touchdown props for the Week 14 opener.

There could be an opportunity once again for Akers to see the bulk of the carries, including from within the opposition’s 20-yard line, and thus an opportunity to get back into the end zone. 

Admittedly, this pick comes with an asterisk. Akers had been dealing with a shoulder injury from Week 13, although he is expected to be available for Thursday. 

If he is available, taking him to score a touchdown at any time on Thursday Night Football is a play that should pay out. 

Pick: Cam Akers anytime touchdown (+125)

Cam Newton passing yards

It feels like an eternity since Cam Newton's Week 11 performance against the Houston Texans in which he threw for 365 pass yards on 40 pass attempts.

Since that outing, Newton has attempted a combined 37 pass attempts over his last two games, completing 21 of those for just 153 yards. That brings Newton’s average down to 186 pass yards per game. Only three times this season has Newton passed for 200 yards or more in a game. 

This week’s matchup against the Los Angeles Rams isn’t likely to yield a big night throwing the ball for Newton. 

The Rams' defense has allowed 2,379 pass yards this season – the fewest in the NFL. Teams are averaging just under 200 pass yards per game against this Rams, and the Patriots don’t push the ball down field very often with big plays. There shouldn’t be much confidence in Newton surpassing 184.5 pass yards on Thursday night.  

Pick: Under 184.5 passing yards (-120)

Jared Goff interceptions

Jared Goff has racked up an impressive amount of passing yards this season, but is once again in double digits for interceptions. He's been especially shaky lately, throwing multiple picks in three of his last five games.

That's a huge issue for L.A., because the Patriots have been among the best teams in the league at forcing turnovers. New England is tied for second in the NFL with 14 interceptions, including seven alone for third-year cornerback J.C. Jackson. 

Goff might still have a good night against the Patriots, but you should feel confident he’ll make at least one mistake throwing the ball, and it will end up as an INT. 

Pick: Over 0.5 interceptions (-130)

Wager on Week 14 of the 2020 NFL season now at BetAmerica!