The Los Angeles Rams are set to face the Atlanta Falcons on Monday Night Football in Week 17 of the NFL season. This match-up features two teams with differing motivations: the Rams, currently 11-4, need a win to maintain their position in playoff contention amid a competitive landscape. Meanwhile, the Falcons are hoping to improve their season record.
Rams’ Offensive Power on Display
The Rams boast a formidable offense, averaging 30.5 points per game. They have a league-high 36% success rate in scoring touchdowns per drive. With Matthew Stafford at the helm, their offensive strategy is heavily reliant on play-action and they take advantage of defenses that employ frequent blitz strategies.
This game against the Falcons presents an opportunity for Stafford and rookie sensation Puka Nacua to exploit defensive weaknesses. The Falcons are known for blitzing, which could play into the hands of Stafford, who has a strong track record against such tactics this season.
Key Player Predictions
- Matthew Stafford: Expect Stafford to have a significant impact, especially given his recent form where he cleared 360 passing yards in consecutive games.
- Puka Nacua: The rookie receiver is projected to maintain a high volume of targets, having recorded at least nine receptions in his last two outings.
Betting Insights and Trends
The Rams have demonstrated impressive performance against the spread, covering in 11 out of 15 games this season. They are particularly strong as road favorites, with a 5-1 record under those conditions. Furthermore, they have consistently exceeded scoring totals in recent games.
Here are some notable betting trends:
- Rams have a 10-3 record against the spread as favorites.
- They are 3-0 against the spread after a loss.
- Four consecutive Rams games have surpassed the total points line.
Kirk Cousins and the Falcons
Kirk Cousins of the Falcons has faced challenges this season but remains a competitive player. He has recorded a high number of pass attempts, often exceeding 30 in recent games, and may need to air it out against the Rams’ defense, which has allowed a significant number of pass attempts this year.
As playoff scenarios tighten, this game will be crucial for the Rams as they try to keep pace with the 49ers, who are also vying for a playoff spot. The interplay of Stafford’s efficiency and Nacua’s explosive play could define the outcome of this crucial match-up on Monday Night Football.
