The Los Angeles Rams (11-4) and Atlanta Falcons (5-9) clash for the season finale of “Monday Night Football” in NFL Week 17.
Matthew Stafford’s Rams were once the top seed in the NFC, but now find themselves in a tight divisional race with the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers.
The Falcons will miss the postseason for an eighth consecutive season, but All-Pro running back Bijan Robinson is still elite, and the Falcons are enjoying a recent breakout from Kyle Pitts.
Oddsmakers have Sean McVay and L.A. listed as a touchdown favorite, with the over/under set at 49.5 total points.
Rams vs. Falcons odds, prediction
No matter where L.A. finishes in the playoff picture, its offense remains a top-tier unit, ranking first in offensive DVOA and averaging 41 points over its past three games.
Former Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris is now tasked with figuring out how to slow down Puka Nacua and the Rams’ robust rushing attack of Kyren Williams and Blake Corum.
Nacua is on a heater.
He enters with 114 receptions and 1,592 receiving yards, both rank top five in the NFL. In Week 16’s showdown with the Seahawks, he finished with an impressive 12 receptions for 225 yards and two touchdowns.
The Falcons may try to bracket Nacua, as cornerback A.J. Terrell likely draws the daunting task of containing him.
However, with Davante Adams’ nagging hamstring preventing him from suiting up, Nacua will garner the bulk of Stafford’s passing targets, and I see his trend of shredding secondaries continuing.
Atlanta has struggled to limit opposing receivers. Mike Evans, Tetoria McMillian, and Adonai Mitchell are among pass-catchers who have each eclipsed 100-plus yards against the Falcons.
Betting on the NFL?
Expect Nacua to hit the over on his receiving yards prop of 105.5, which is eight yards below his NFL-best average of 113.7 per game.
He’s been targeted 11 or more times in eight games, and Stafford is sure to be looking his way without Adams in the Rams’ lineup.
With the Rams fighting for home field advantage as the season dwindles, their high-powered offense knows how vital this primetime game will be.
The Play: Puka Nacua Over 105.5 receiving yards (-113, DraftKings)
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Mike Turay is a sports journalist and editor who closely follows the NBA, NFL, college sports and UFC. He has demonstrated expertise in both NBA and NFL player prop bets for nearly three years. Mike is also highly knowledgeable about the sportsbook offer landscape, frequently trying and reviewing the latest apps and sites.
