Rams vs. 49ers Week 18: How to Watch, Betting Odds
The Rams clinched a playoff berth last week with a 26-25 win over the Giants. All that's left to decide on Sunday is whether Los Angeles will be the No. 7 seed with a win and Green Bay loss, or the No. 7 seed with a loss and a Packers win.
Because of that, Rams coach Sean McVay chose to rest some starters and key players. That includes quarterback Matthew Stafford, defensive tackle Aaron Donald, receiver Cooper Kupp, and running back Kyren Williams.
In preparation of playing either Dallas, Detroit or Philly in the Wild Card Round, starting under center for the Rams will be former Eagle, Colt and Commander, Carson Wentz.
“I think when you look at the projections, I think they are excellent teams, regardless," McVay said. “Taking all that into consideration didn’t really feel like the other side of it to try to do something to maintain the sixth or know you could be the seventh was best for our team.”
San Francisco has already locked up the NFC West crown and the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs. The 49ers, too, will be resting important players like quarterback Brock Purdy. Other star players like offensive tackle Trent Williams, tight end George Kittle and wideout Deebo Samuel will most likely play limited minutes on Sunday.
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Sam Darnold will be under center for the 49ers and he has impressed San Francisco linebacker Fred Warner since joining the team.
“I’m really excited for Sam to have this opportunity,” linebacker Fred Warner said. “I’ve seen great things from him since the day he’s gotten here. ... He has insane arm talent, making the sorts of throws out on the practice field that I haven’t seen anybody make."
WHAT: Los Angeles Rams (9-7, 4-4 Road) at San Francisco 49ers (12-4, 5-2 Home)
WHERE: Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, CA (68,500)
WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, 1:25 p.m. PT
TELEVISION: FOX / FuboTV (try it free)
RADIO: ESPN LA 710 AM | 93.1 JACK FM
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Betting via
SPREAD: Rams +4.5
TOTAL: 40.5
MONEYLINE: Rams +165, 49ers -200