The San Francisco 49ers host the Los Angeles Rams for this week’s edition of Thursday Night Football.

The Rams and 49ers have been on top of the NFC West in recent years, however, this appeared to be the year that these teams would falter. In a fun twist of events last Sunday, both teams got huge wins to keep their playoff hopes and chances of winning the division alive.

When these two teams face off, only one team will be in a position to win the NFC West at the end of the game. Which team will prove their season is not yet over and be the winning NFL pick at the top-rated sportsbooks?

Picks Summary

• Over 49 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)

Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers

Thursday, December 12, 2024 – 08:15 PM ET at Levi’s Stadium

Los Angeles Rams

The Los Angeles Rams have struggled this year and many thought that they would be out of the playoffs. However, the Rams got a huge upset win yesterday to improve their record to 7-6.

The Buffalo Bills are considered to be one of the top contenders in the league, yet the Rams were able to overcome them 44-42 as 3.5-point underdogs. This surprising win was the third in the last four games for the Los Angeles Rams. Now they head to San Francisco to take on the 49ers team that has been with them at the top of the standings for the last 5 years.

The Ram’s success is predicated on their elite offense. They have many of the top skill players in the league such as quarterback Matthew Stafford, wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, and elite running back in Kyren Williams. This team’s ability to score means they are never out of a game, no matter the deficit.

San Francisco 49ers

I made the mistake of counting out the 49ers after their blowout loss to Buffalo two weeks ago. But the Niners bounced back with a convincing 38-13 win over Chicago to move themselves to 6-7. A win over the Rams would have them tied in the standings and put them in a position to take over the NFC West by winning out the season. This game is crucial for the 49ers playoff hopes.

49ers quarterback Brock Purdy was 3rd in quarterback EPA through Week 14. In spite of having many of his top skill players out with injuries, Purdy has been consistent in his leadership ability. Purdy’s elite play is the only reason the San Francisco 49ers are not at the bottom of the standings.

The 49ers have suffered many injuries this year but they are getting it done with the players they have left. Still, they have All-Pros such as TE George Kittle and WR Deebo Samuel to help them on offense.

Two huge injury statuses to keep aware of before this game kicks off are those of LT Trent Williams and DE Nick Bosa. Both players are elite on their side of the ball. Either one of these men returning the lineup could be a huge boost for the 49ers; keep an eye on this before the game kicks off.

Even in spite of multiple injuries, the 49ers defense was dominant in their win against the Bears, only allowing four total yards in the first half. The 49ers defense came out and made a statement, but now they will have to do it against a veteran team that is coached much better. Will the 49ers’ defensive success continue, or was last week’s success a product of a weaker Bears roster?

Key Matchup: 49ers Secondary vs. Rams Wide Receivers

The 49ers were able to hold down the strong passing attack of the Chicago Bears last week, can they do it again?

The Rams’ offense is a well-oiled machine and will be much tougher to shut down than the team that they defeated last week. If the 49ers are able to put forth the same defensive effort, they have a great chance to get the win and stay alive for the playoffs. If the 49ers secondary cannot keep the Rams wide receivers in check, their season is over.

The Pick

With the inconsistency displayed by both teams, I think it’s tough to take a side here.

However, I will go with the over in this game. Both teams have offensive-minded head coaches and will come in with high-level game plans knowing that their season is on the line. The teams will not be saving any plays for the playoffs; this game is essentially a playoff game.

So, with two elite offensive coaches scheming up their very best plays for this matchup, I expect to see a lot of points scored in this crucial game. The 49ers’ defense will return to Earth against a well-coached team, yet the 49ers’ offense will be able to bounce back and score against a limited Rams’ defense.

The best bet for this game is to take the over.

NFL Pick: Over 49 (-110) at Bet365

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