TNF Week 14: Patriots vs. Rams odds, preview, and pick

An intriguing NFL inter-conference showdown is set for Thursday night (8:20 p.m. ET, FOX) as the New England Patriots (6-6) visit the Los Angeles Rams (8-4) at SoFi Stadium.

The Patriots posted their biggest win of the season in L.A. in Week 13, handing the Chargers a 45-0 defeat. But the Rams are a much more challenging opponent than their intercity rivals, hence their being established as significant favorites by oddsmakers here.

What follows is our wagering preview for this Thursday night rematch of Super Bowl LIII, which New England won 13-3.

New England’s recent win looks like a fluke

A 45-0 victory would be difficult for any team to bottle, let alone a .500 team.

The Patriots’ defense is now seventh in the NFL in points allowed per game (21.3), though no one is confusing them for the ’85 Bears. New England is just 12th in yards allowed per game this season (344.6).

The Pats gained a relatively low 291 yards on offense last week. Their blowout was bolstered by two defensive touchdowns and a punt return score. Sunday marked the first time since Week 3 that Bill Belichick’s squad topped 30 points in a game this year.

Rams are resilient at home

The Rams’ home record is a robust 4-1 this season. Their only loss in L.A. this year occurred in Week 12, when the division-rival San Francisco 49ers downed them on a last-second field goal.

Sean McVay’s team promptly righted the ship in Week 13 with a 38-28 win over the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. That was their third victory in a four-game span.

Both offenses could struggle

No team allows fewer yards per play (4.6) than the Rams, which spells trouble for Cam Newton and company. New England’s offense is a modest 18th in yards per play in 2020 (5.4).

Jared Goff and company have exceeded 30 points just once since Week 3. The Patriots’ stoppers probably won’t pitch a second straight shutout, but this unit should hold its own in this one.

Trends say bettors should back the Under

The Under has cashed in four straight games involving the Patriots, and is 4-1 in New England’s last five games as an underdog.

The Rams have gone below the total in five straight games as a home favorite. The Under is 9-2 in L.A’s last 11 overall.

Score prediction: Rams 21, Patriots 17

NFL Pick: Under 44.5

Wager on all NFL Week 14 action on BetAmerica!