Rams vs. 49ers preview: Predictions, odds, and how to watch Sunday's game
The NFL's Week 18 action features lots of divisional matchups across the league, including the NFC West. The division champion San Francisco 49ers (12-4) will be hosting the Los Angeles Rams (9-7) Sunday at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
The Rams enter Week 18 as one of the hottest teams in the NFL. Los Angeles is 6-1 in its last seven games since a Week 10 bye; the sole loss came in Week 14 against the AFC-leading Baltimore Ravens. The Rams' offense is averaging more than 400 yards and nearly 30 points per game during this stretch. Los Angeles boasts Pro Bowl players at quarterback (Matthew Stafford), running back (Kyren Williams), and wide receiver (Puka Nacua). Those starters and more will sit out this game because the Rams already clinched a wild card playoff spot.
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In a similar vein, the 49ers have clinched the no. 1 seed in the NFC playoff bracket thanks to their win last week against the Washington Commanders and the Detroit Lions' controversial loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Pro Bowlers Brock Purdy and Christian McCaffrey will not play in Sunday's game to get some extra rest and guard against injury, according to coach Kyle Shanahan. San Francisco's 7-1 since its Week 9 bye, the sole loss coming to the Ravens as well on Christmas. Sam Darnold will get the start at quarterback for the first time this season as many 49ers starters are expected to sit out most of if not the whole game.
The teams met in Week 2 in Los Angeles with the 49ers winning that game 30-23.
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Week 18: Los Angeles Rams at San Francisco 49ers predictions
Arizona Republic: Rams 24, 49ers 20
Jeremy Cluff writes: "The 49ers have locked up the No. 1 seed in the playoffs and the Rams have secured a playoff berth. Both of these teams might just try to avoid injury in this one."
ESPN: 49ers have a 68.6% chance to win
According the the ESPN analytics, the 49ers' Football Power Index (FPI) rating is 7.8, fourth-best in the league. By contrast, the Rams' FPI is 1.9, 10th in the NFL.
Lineups: 49ers 26, Rams 23
Noah Rosenstein writes: "The 49ers would certainly be way more than a 4-point favorite at home in this game under normal circumstances. We have a lot more confidence in Sam Darnold than Carson Wentz, so we still would lean towards laying the points, but with so much uncertainty about who will play in this game, we simply cannot recommend either side against the spread."
Athlon Sports: San Francisco 29, Los Angeles 17
Staff says: "San Francisco has gone 12-4 in games they were listed as the moneyline favorite... Los Angeles has been an underdog in seven games this season and won one (14.3%) of those contests."
How to watch the Los Angeles Rams at San Francisco 49ers: TV channel and streaming info
The Los Angeles Rams kick off against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Jan. 7, at 4:25 p.m., ET, on FOX. The game can also be streamed on NFL+ and the Fox Sports App.
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Week 18: Los Angeles Rams at San Francisco 49ers odds, betting lines
The 49ers are favored to defeat the Rams for a second time this season, according to the BetMGM NFL odds, as of Saturday afternoon.
Spread: 49ers (-3)
Moneyline: 49ers (-165); Rams (+140)
Over/under: 42.5
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Week 18: Los Angeles Rams at San Francisco 49ers injury news
Los Angeles Rams:
Player | Position | Injury | Status |
Matthew Stafford | QB | Coach's Decision | Questionable for Week 18 |
Joe Noteboom | G | Foot | Questionable for Week 18 |
Tyler Higbee | TE | Shoulder | Questionable for Week 18 |
Aaron Donald | DL | Coach's Decision | Questionable for Week 18 |
Cooper Kupp | WR | Coach's Decision | Questionable for Week 18 |
Ernest Jones | LB | Coach's Decision | Questionable for Week 18 |
Kyren Williams | RB | Coach's Decision | Questionable for Week 18 |
Shaun Jolly | DB | Undisclosed | Injured Reserve |
Stetson Bennett | QB | Illness | Injured Reserve |
Alex Ward | LS | Neck | Injured Reserve |
Hunter Long | TE | Knee | Injured Reserve |
Duke Shelley- | CB | Hamstring | Injured Reserve |
San Francisco 49ers:
Player | Position | Injury | Status |
Arik Armstead | DT | Foot, Knee | Questionable for Week 18 |
Ji'Ayir Brown | S | Knee | Questionable for Week 18 |
Ross Dwelley | TE | Ankle | Questionable for Week 18 |
Jon Feliciano | G | Back | Questionable for Week 18 |
Tashaun Gipson | FS | Quad | Questionable for Week 18 |
Christian McCaffrey | RB | Calf | Out for Week 18 |
Ambry Thomas | CB | Hand | Out for Week 18 |
Jauan Jennings | WR | Concussion | Questionable for Week 18 |
Danny Gray | WR | Shoulder | Injured Reserve |
Ray-Ray McCloud | WR | Rib | Out for Week 18 |
Kalia Davis | DT | Ankle | Injured Reserve |
George Odum | DB | Biceps | Injured Reserve |
Talanoa Hufanga | SS | Knee | Injured Reserve |
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Rams vs. 49ers predictions, odds, injury news for Sunday's game
