Seattle Seahawks vs. Los Angeles Rams: Picks, Predictions, Odds

The Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams conclude their regular-season schedules with an NFC West battle in California on Sunday, but only the Rams will be featuring in the playoffs this year.

The Seahawks have a solid 9-7 record after grinding out a 6-3 win over the Chicago Bears on the Thursday night of Week 17, but the results of the weekend games meant that they could no longer qualify as a wildcard team.

The Rams are already assured of a playoff place after clinching the NFC West title with a 13-9 home success over the Cardinals to reach 10-6.

The LA team could still finish as the third or fourth seed, and some would say they have a strong incentive to prefer the third seed, as the fourth seed will take on the losers of the monumental NFC North title-decider between the Detroit Lions and the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.

Even so, the alternative is to face either the Washington Commanders or Green Bay Packers, so the Rams are in for a tough test at SoFi Stadium in the wildcard round whatever happens. 

Head coach Sean McVay hinted heavily that he is leaning towards resting his key players in Week 18 to keep them fresh and healthy for the playoffs, whereas Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald has said he wants his team to end their season on a positive note by claiming their 10th win.

That's why the visitors are favored on the spread for this game even though the Rams won the teams' first meeting, 26-20 in overtime in Week 9.

That was their third successive win over the Seahawks after they won the two 2023 meetings 30-13 and 17-16.

Seattle Seahawks vs. Los Angeles Rams betting picks and predictions

Over 39 points (-110)

With McVay set to rest his starting quarterback Matthew Stafford, star wide receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp and running back Kyren Williams among others, the Rams' offence is likely to be led by former Patriots, 49ers and Raiders QB Jimmy Garoppolo.

He will be keen to show up well on his first start for the team and show the league what he can do with several teams set to be in the market for an experienced quarterback this off-season.

The Seahawks were involved in one of the worst games of the season against the Bears last week, with just nine points scored, but with the pressure off for both teams this week there is likely to be more scoring with back-up defensive players getting some playing time too.

The first meeting between the teams produced 46 points and the Seahawks had been on a run of four straight games of 43 or more points before that dreadful affair against the Bears.

The Rams have limited their last three opponents to single-digit scores, but three of their previous four games had produced 50 or more points and with the teams having both found some offensive success in the first game, taking the over on the low line this week has some appeal.

Blake Corum over 62.5 rushing yards (-110)

Every NFL coaching decision or injuries creates opportunities for others and rookie running back Blake Corum should relish the chance to showcase his talent for the Rams if Kyren Williams is held out of the Week 18 clash.

Corum was the team's third-round pick this year out of Michigan and has shown flashes of real potential in his limited NFL action.

His highest rushing output of the season is 42 yards from eight carries against the Saints but he can expect a much higher workload this week, with his head coach McVay saying: "I'm excited about seeing Blake Corum get a heavy workload."

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Seattle Seahawks vs. Los Angeles Rams odds

Seattle Seahawks	-280 ML
Los Angeles Rams	+230 ML
Spread	Seahawks -6.5
Total Points	O/U 39.0

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.