San Francisco 49ers vs Los Angeles Rams NFC Championship Pick
Our San Francisco 49ers vs LA Rams prediction is for the NFC Championship of the 2022 playoffs. It will kick off at 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 30. In this NFC title contest, the Rams are favored by -3.5 (+100). The underdog Niners are listed at +3.5 (-120). The total is 45.5 with the over at -108 and under offered at -112. In addition to this pick, be sure to read our Cincinnati vs Kansas City spread and totals picks for today’s AFC Championship game.
This NFC Divisional contest will be played at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA. The weather will be mostly sunny with winds from WSW at 5 mph and gusts at 10 mph. Temperatures will be in the high 50s. The game will be carried on FOX.
San Francisco 49ers vs LA Rams Prediction – Keys
Sports Betting Smarts often creates analytical picks that are statistically heavy. However, in the playoffs, we’ve found that by focusing on a few important game-changing/influencing elements, we can create accurate predictions. Thus, in this prediction, we’ll be less focused on statistics and more interested in a few, specific elements.
49ers vs Rams - Playoffs Thus Far
In creating our San Francisco 49ers vs LA Rams prediction, we find that the first two playoff games each of these teams appeared in over the past two weeks offer us clues as to what will happen in this game. The Niners are in this game due to miscues by Dallas and Green Bay. Both games were close wins. Plus, the totals for each were both under 41. On the other hand, the Ram defense came up big versus Arizona, and they came through against Tampa Bay. In both games, LA scored a minimum of 30 points. Totals for each game came to 45 and 57.
We find that the above games, the manner in which the team’s won, favor the Rams. That is, as long as they play mistake-free football and don’t beat themselves. If LA wins, then we expect the total to go over 45.5.
Offense
QBs Matthew Stafford and Jimmy Garoppolo will battle in this game. Stafford and Garoppolo are solid leaders and fine, accurate passers. They’ll be throwing to top-notch receiving units.
As a receiver, Cooper Kupp is the man to go to for LA. However, the Bucs shut him down last week. That was not a problem, as Stafford has a solid and deep receiving unit. WR Odell Beckham Jr. and TE Tyler Higbee are hugh talents capable of scoring numerous times. Plus, Los Angeles has sound running backs led by Sony Michel and Darrell Henderson Jr.
The Niners feature three fine pass catchers, wideouts Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk and tight end George Kittle. Samuel is a true dual threat who’s capable of racking up rushing yards and touchdowns. Running back Elijah Mitchell is a solid performer.
Defense
Both defenses are solid, and they bring stats that match up closely. The 49er defense includes top-notch sackers and run stopping defensive ends Nick Bosa and Samson Ebukam. Plus, corners K'Waun Williams, Jimmie Ward, and Emmanuel Moseley are tough on receivers. For the Rams, premium performers and anchors include DT Aaron Donald and Leonard Floyd, who eat up QBs and RBs. Also, corner Jalen Ramsey is a prime pass defender.
San Francisco 49ers vs LA Rams Prediction - Spread & Totals
Our San Francisco 49ers vs LA Rams prediction likes the home team. We find that Los Angeles has an advantage in this game on offense. In the postseason, their offense has been explosive due to its variety of weapons. However, for S.F., Samuel is exceptionally dangerous. The Ram D must contain him. We like the LA Rams at -3.5 (+100). Our projected score is 34-26, which leads us to pick the over at 4.5 (-108).
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Summary – San Francisco 49ers vs LA Rams Championship Pick:
Point Spread Pick – LA Rams at -3.5 (+100)
Totals Pick - Over 45.5 (-108)
