Do the Rams make the home Super Bowl perfect?
While everything in the AFC is talking about the Chiefs game against the Bills, there were two incredibly exciting games in the NFC as well. Both the Rams and 49ers only prevailed with game-winning field goals as the clock expired.
Thus, all four divisional round games were decided on the last play. The 49ers managed the biggest upset of the playoff season with their win over Green Bay, although the Rams were also considered underdogs against the Buccaneers.
In the head-to-head matchup now, Los Angeles has the slight favourite status. For one thing, they play at home, and for another, they have the better individual team, not only at the quarterback position. But beware: the last six head-to-head meetings went to the San Francisco 49ers.
Nevertheless, we see the Rams clearly ahead on Sunday, especially since the 49ers were running on fumes in their victory. Both Deebo Samuel and George Kittle left the field with a limp. So for LA vs. San Francisco, our prediction is a Rams home win.
Kickoff of the NFC Championship Game is on Monday night at 00:30 in Los Angeles. It can be watched live on ProSieben and on DAZN.
Los Angeles Rams – Statistics & current form
The Rams just managed to fend off Tom Brady’s comeback and may also be responsible for the GOAT’s career ending. But they should care little about that just before the AFC Championship Game at home in SoFi Stadium.
They then also host their secret fear opponent in the San Francisco 49ers. Since 2019, they have lost all six direct duels with Garoppolo and his colleagues and even a 17-0 lead three weeks ago was not enough for them to win.
Rams have several scores to settle
The Rams will want to take revenge for this 24:27 after overtime. Just like for the clear 10:31 defeat in November. This means that Head Coach Sean McVay will also be responsible for finally deciphering the 49ers’ tactics.
In addition, McVay must learn not to trade his courage for administrative mode in the decisive moments. What went wrong against the 49ers in Week 18 was almost repeated again in the Divisional Round against the Buccaneers.
They were already leading 27:3, only to win at the last second. The Rams in attack mode are strong as an ox, the Rams in administration mode all the weaker. If McVay learns that, the Rams will be ready for the Super Bowl.
Will Stafford stay on fire?
For those Super Bowl dreams to become a reality at home, Matthew Stafford will also need to keep his form up. He had great passer ratings against both Arizona (154.5) and Tampa (121.2). It is therefore all the more incomprehensible that McVay does not yet trust him in the decisive moments.
If the Rams quarterback delivers again against San Francisco, there is no way around LA. Their defence is also one of the better in the league. Even though they have allowed 5.5 more points than San Francisco in the playoffs so far, we still see these two defenses on par.
Since we believe that the Rams have the much better offence, the odds on Los Angeles are our clear betting recommendation for Rams vs. 49ers, even with a handicap of up to -4.
Key Players:
QB: Matthew Stafford
RB: Cam Akers
WR: Odell Beckham Jr.
WR: Cooper Kupp
K: Matt Gay
San Francisco 49ers – stats & current form
The San Francisco 49ers are the big surprise in the NFC. Two upsets against the Cowboys and the Packers led them to this Championship Game and again they are in the underdog role. However, this one seems to suit them.
Nevertheless, their style of play cannot go well every week, as they were already on the verge of elimination in Green Bay. Only an outstanding special team play five minutes before the end brought them back into the game.
Offensively, the 49ers need to step it up
To really have a shot at the Super Bowl, though, the 49ers need more offense. Because they won’t be able to defeat both the Rams and the possibly following Chiefs with an average of 18.0 points.
They have already proved against LA this season that they can. In the two direct duels, they scored 31 points once and 27 points once. A yield that would at least promise another close game on Sunday.
Some injured players in the squad
While the 49ers were nearly at full strength before the Packers game, the final minutes of the game in particular were not without their share of accidents. Both Samuel and Kittle subsequently limped off the field and the secret star of the game, defensive end Jordan Willis, is also on the Injurie Report with a big “Questionable”.
Of course, we will pretty much see all three players on Sunday, but the question will be how fit they really are. If they are not at 100%, that would already weaken the 49ers a lot. They will not be able to do without a Deebo Samuel in top form.
On the flip side, with the Rams only having one starter listed as questionable in Whithworth, the 49ers are at a bit of a disadvantage. Another reason why we consider a tip on the Rams – 4 as betting option number one for LA vs. San Francisco.
Key Players:
QB: Jimmy Garoppolo
RB: Elijah Mitchell
WR: Deebo Samuel
TE: George Kittle
K: Robbie Gould
Los Angeles Rams – San Francisco 49ers Head-to-head comparison / H2H record
The last six head-to-head duels have all gone to San Francisco. That is already a series that is respectable and should also worry the Rams. However, series are also meant to be broken.
Especially since the last game was only three weeks ago, LA head coach Sen McVay and his coaching staff should still have a very good impression of the opponent and be able to make adjustments. If he can’t, then he doesn’t deserve the Super Bowl either.
Yes, this series should worry Rams fans, but betting against the clear favourites just because of it – we don’t recommend it. Instead, with Rams vs 49ers, the odds on Los Angeles are the more promising choice after all.
Los Angeles Rams – San Francisco 49ers betting tips
The 49ers have one of the best defenses of any team in the playoffs, but the Rams score a whopping 14 more points per game offensively. This offensive discrepancy is too big for San Francisco to make up on Sunday – especially with banged-up stars.
Therefore, a bet on the home team is our clear recommendation for Rams vs. 49ers. In addition to a handicap, the Rams/Rams bet could also make sense, as Los Angeles very often starts a game well. This was also the case against the Buccaneers last Sunday.
