San Francisco 49ers vs Los Angeles Rams Picks and Predictions December 12th 2024

San Francisco 49ers vs Los Angeles Rams December 12th 2024

AMZN will be covering the 8:15 ET kick off between the Rams and 49ers on Thursday, December 12th. The 49ers are favored at -144 on the money line and -2.5 on the point spread. The over/under line is sitting at 48.5 points. Both teams need to add to their records in this NFC West matchup.

Los Angeles vs. San Francisco Key Information

• Teams: Rams at 49ers
• Where: Levi’s Stadium Santa Clara
• Date: Thursday, December 12th
• Betting Odds SF -144 | LAR +123 O/U 48.5

The Rams Can Win If…

After a week 12 loss to the Eagles, the Rams have bounced back with two straight wins, including a 44-42 victory over the Bills in week 14. Heading into that game, Los Angeles was a 3.5-point underdog, but they managed to pull off the win, improving their record to 7-6. This puts them 2nd in the NFC West, with a 34.5% chance of making the playoffs and a 32.3% chance of winning the division.

Against the spread, the Rams are 6-7, with an average scoring margin of -2.6 points per game. They have covered in two straight games, including their win over the Bills. Their O/U record is 7-6, with their games averaging 48.5 points per game.

Heading into week 15, the Rams sit 11th in our offensive power rankings, averaging 22.9 points per game (14th) and 340.7 yards per game (15th). They rank 9th in passing yards with 237.7 per game on 33.8 attempts (12th). On the ground, they average 103 rushing yards per game (25th) on 26 attempts (21st). Los Angeles ranks 20th in 3rd-down conversions (36.7%) and 23rd in red zone conversion percentage, despite being 5th in red zone attempts. The Rams have struggled early in games, ranking 24th in 1st-quarter scoring.

Matthew Stafford has been on fire, posting a passer rating of 132 in week 14, going 23/30 for 320 yards and 2 touchdowns without an interception. Puka Nacua had 12 catches for 162 yards, and Kyren Williams rushed for 87 yards and 2 touchdowns on 29 carries. The Rams scored 44 points in week 14, converting 11 of 15 3rd downs and 5 of 6 red zone trips.

The Rams’ defense gave up 342 passing yards to the Bills in their most recent game, allowing three passing touchdowns. Despite this, the Rams came out with a 44-42 win. Buffalo had a big-play ability in the passing game, averaging 9.2 yards per attempt. The Rams’ defense struggled to generate pressure, as they didn’t record any sacks and had a -4 tackles for loss differential.

On the ground, the Bills managed 103 yards on just 17 attempts, averaging 6.1 yards per attempt. Los Angeles also struggled on third downs, allowing the Bills to convert 55.6% of their third down chances.

• Los Angeles has put together a record of 2-1 over their past three games. The team has also been excellent vs the spread, going 2-1. Their over-under record in these games was 2-1.
• Through their last ten regular season contests, Los Angeles has a record of 6-4. In these matchups, they ended with an ATS record of 5-5 and an over-under mark of 5-5.

The 49ers Can Win If…

With a 6-7 record, the 49ers currently sit 8th in our NFL power rankings and have a 10.7% chance of making the playoffs. They are 4th in the NFC West with a 1-3 division record. San Francisco is 4-3 at home and 2-4 on the road.

After three straight losses, the 49ers bounced back in week 14 with a 38-13 win over the Bears. They covered the 3-point spread and the 51 combined points went over the 43.5-point line. San Francisco is 5-8 against the spread and has an O/U record of 7-6.

After struggling in weeks 12 and 13, the 49ers bounced back in week 14 with a 38-13 win over the Bears. Brock Purdy threw for 325 yards and 2 touchdowns, completing 20 of 25 passes. San Francisco scored 14 points in both the 1st and 4th quarters and converted 5 of 6 red zone attempts. Isaac Guerendo led the team with 78 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns, while George Kittle had 6 catches for 151 yards.

Heading into week 15, the 49ers rank 12th in our offensive power rankings. They are 11th in the NFL in scoring, averaging 23.7 points per game, and 4th in total yards with 378.5 per game. Despite being 27th in passing attempts, they rank 7th in passing yards per game. San Francisco is also 7th in 3rd-down conversions, with a 43.7% success rate.

In their most recent game, the 49ers’ defense was dominant, recording seven sacks and holding the Bears to just 94 yards passing on 18 completions. Despite giving up two passing touchdowns, they limited Chicago to 162 total yards and just 68 yards rushing on 21 attempts. The 49ers pressured the quarterback consistently, coming out on top in the QB hit and tackles for loss differentials.

The Bears managed to convert 40% of their third down attempts, but overall, the 49ers’ pass rush was relentless, helping them secure a 38-13 win.

• The 49ers have posted a 2-1 record in their previous three games. Their strong play has also resulted in an ATS mark of 2-1 (last 3). They had an over/under mark of 2-1 in those same games.
• Through their last ten regular season contests, San Francisco has a record of 6-4. In these contests, the team went just 4-6 against the spread, while going 6-4 on the over-under.

The Lean

Our pick vs. the spread for this week 15 matchup between the 49ers and Rams is to take the 49ers to cover the spread. They are currently sitting at -2.5, and we have them winning by a score of 23-18. This makes the 49ers our pick to cover as home favorites.

For the over/under, we are leaning towards taking the under, with a projected combined score of 41 points and the line sitting at 48.5 points.

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Rundown 49ers Brace for Surging Rams in Crucial NFC West Showdown

The San Francisco 49ers are grappling with a season of setbacks, while the Los Angeles Rams surge forward in the NFC West, setting the stage for a high-stakes clash on Thursday night in Santa Clara, Calif. Both teams are fighting for playoff positioning, but they arrive at this matchup in starkly different circumstances.

49ers Face an Uphill Battle Amid Injuries

Just months removed from a Super Bowl appearance, the 49ers (6-7) find themselves in dire straits. Injuries have ravaged their roster, leaving San Francisco clinging to slim playoff hopes. To stay in contention, they must win out against the Rams, Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions, and Arizona Cardinals.

A Decimated Backfield

The 49ers’ rushing attack has been a focal point of their struggles:

• Christian McCaffrey, their star running back, was sidelined for the season after just four games.
• Jordan Mason, McCaffrey’s backup, joined him on injured reserve following Week 13.

San Francisco turned to rookie Isaac Guerendo in Week 14 against the Chicago Bears, and he delivered a standout performance with 78 rushing yards and two touchdowns. However, Guerendo also suffered a foot sprain late in the game and is a game-time decision for Thursday night.

Key Injuries Elsewhere

The 49ers’ problems extend beyond the backfield:

• Defensive end Nick Bosa (hip, oblique) and offensive linemen Ben Bartch and Trent Williams (both with ankle injuries) did not practice earlier this week.
• Linebacker Dre Greenlaw is managing an Achilles issue and remains limited.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan acknowledges the challenges of a short turnaround, saying, “We have to evaluate him [Guerendo] hard each day… Hopefully Thursday will be enough time for him.”

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Rams Build Momentum at the Right Time

In contrast, the Rams (7-6) are thriving, having won six of their last eight games. Their recent 44-42 victory over the Buffalo Bills showcased their offensive firepower.

Offensive Leaders Shine

• Quarterback Matthew Stafford delivered an outstanding performance, completing 23 of 30 passes for 320 yards and two touchdowns.
• Wide receiver Puka Nacua was a standout with 12 receptions for 162 yards and a touchdown.
• Running back Kyren Williams contributed two rushing touchdowns and 87 yards on 29 carries.

With Stafford healthy and Nacua emerging as a premier target, the Rams are a formidable opponent. They may also gain additional firepower if tight end Tyler Higbee makes his season debut on Thursday after recovering from a torn ACL and MCL. Higbee practiced in full this week, signaling his readiness to return.

Playoff Implications

For San Francisco, Thursday’s game is a must-win. Their 6-7 record leaves little room for error, and each remaining contest is critical. Conversely, the Rams are in control of their playoff destiny. They sit second in the NFC West and face division rivals—the 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, and Arizona Cardinals—plus the New York Jets in the coming weeks.

Coaching Perspectives

Both head coaches bring mutual respect and strategic adaptability to the matchup.

• Sean McVay, the Rams’ head coach, isn’t taking the 49ers lightly despite their struggles:“They have excellent coaches, excellent personnel, really good schemes. … It’s going to be a great challenge and opportunity.”
• Shanahan remains focused on preparing his squad, even under difficult circumstances, emphasizing the need for resilience.

Why This Matchup Matters

This divisional battle goes beyond just a win or loss:

• For the 49ers, it’s a test of their depth and determination as they attempt to salvage their season.
• For the Rams, it’s an opportunity to solidify their playoff position and maintain momentum in the most critical stretch of the season.

Both teams will bring their best effort, knowing the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Key Players to Watch

• Isaac Guerendo (49ers): If healthy, the rookie running back could play a pivotal role in San Francisco’s offense.
• Puka Nacua (Rams): Nacua’s consistency as a top target for Stafford makes him a game-changer.
• Nick Bosa (49ers): If he plays, Bosa could disrupt the Rams’ offensive rhythm.

Final Thoughts

Thursday night’s game is a clash of contrasting narratives. The 49ers hope to overcome adversity and keep their playoff hopes alive, while the Rams aim to capitalize on their momentum and tighten their grip on a postseason berth.

As the season winds down, every game becomes a defining moment—and this NFC West showdown is no exception.