Rams Host Saints in Showdown of Division Leaders
AÂ showdown between two upstart teams highlights Week 12 of the NFL regular season when the New Orleans Saints visit the Los Angeles Rams. The current line has Los Angeles favored by 2 points with the over/under point total on 54.
Entering this game, New Orleans on the season is 8-2 straight up and 7-3 against the spread. On the road, the Saints are 3-1 SU and ATS. Los Angeles on the season is 7-3 SU and 6-4 ATS. At home, the Rams are 2-2 SU and ATS.
Neither the Saints nor Rams were expected to do much in 2017, but that has all changed. The two lead their respective divisions with the Saints having won eight straight after starting the season 0-2.
The Rams are leading the NFC West, but last week lost to Minnesota 24-7 to snap their four-game winning streak. The Rams will face another stiff test against the Saints. The Saints defense has held six of its past eight opponents to only 20 points or less.
New Orleans has suffered some injuries to its defense with Alex Okafor its starting defensive end out for the rest of the season with an Achilles injury suffered last week in their 34-31 win against Washington.
New Orleans is third in the league in scoring averaging 30.2 points per game, with a balanced attack led by quarterback Drew Brees and running backs Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara.
Los Angeles is second in the NFL in scoring at 30.3 points per game but will not have Robert Woods its top receiver due to a shoulder injury. Expect quarterback Jared Goff to focus on wide receivers Sammy Watkins and Cooper Kupp in Woods’ absence.
Saints rookie cornerback Marshon Lattimore missed practice late in the week with an ankle injury and his status for Sunday is questionable.
Offense VS Defense
Los Angeles linebacker Mark Barron, who leads the team in tackles with 72, is questionable for the game with an injured hand.
New Orleans has signed cornerbacks Dexter McDougal and Sterling Moore to help its depleted secondary.
New Orleans is 18-7-1 in its last 26 games versus opponents from the NFC.
Los Angeles is 3-11-1 ATS in its last 15 games versus opponents from the NFC.
Prediction: The Rams have a strong offense, but Minnesota proved a good defense can shut it down. Look for much of the same versus New Orleans. Lean here toward the Saints.
