Rams vs 49ers Predictions: LA heading in the right direction

The Los Angeles Rams take on the San Francisco 49ers in a crucial NFC West divisional match-up this week at Levi's Stadium.

Victory for the 7-6 Rams is essential if they are to keep their play-off hopes alive, while the 6-7 49ers desperately need a win to stay in contention. Read on for my Rams vs 49ers prediction, as well as the latest team news and match odds.

NFL Odds

Los Angeles have won six of their last eight games, including a thrilling 44-42 home victory over the Buffalo Bills last week.

The 49ers snapped a three-game losing streak with a dominant 38-13 win over the Chicago Bears, but their play-off chances are hanging by a thread.

Both teams know a loss here could effectively end their post-season aspirations, making this Thursday night showdown an unmissable spectacle.

Team News

The 49ers are set to be without several key players with running back Isaac Guerendo, left tackle Trent Williams and defensive end Nick Bosa all doubts after missing Tuesday's practice.

Guerendo, who sustained a foot injury during Sunday’s win over the Bears, was playing because Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason are already on IR.

Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave are out for the season, defensive lineman Kevin Givens remains on IR and LB Dre Greenlaw, S Malik Mustapha and LB Dee Winters were limited in practice this week.

For the Rams, wide receiver Jordan Whittington, center Beaux Limmer, defensive tackle Tyler Davis, tight end Davis Allen, and wide receiver Demarcus Robinson are all listed as questionable.

Rams vs 49ers Odds

*Please click on the link above to be taken to the main Rams vs 49ers page on betfred.com (or app) for all the live betting prices on this match

The 49ers are 7/10 favourites on the Money Line, giving them an implied win probability of 58.8%, while the Rams are priced at 6/5 to pick up the win.

The handicap is set at 2.5, with San Francisco -2.5 at 20/23 and Los Angeles +2.5 slightly larger at 20/21.

Rams +2.5 @ 20/21

The Rams have momentum on their side, coming off a thrilling win against the Bills.

Sean McVay’s men have also won the last two meetings against the 49ers, including a 27-24 victory earlier this season.

The Rams were coming off a 31-point loss and had to cope without their two leading wide receivers in that game, yet they still rallied from a 14-point deficit to win.

They head to Santa Clara on Thursday following a superb offensive performance and with both star wideouts Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua healthy.

Los Angeles' offense has been clicking lately, averaging 28.3 points per game in their last three outings and their passing attack could exploit a 49ers defence who have struggled to contain teams with two elite wide receivers.

Given the Rams' recent form and their success against San Francisco, taking them to cover the spread looks like a solid bet.

Deebo Samuel Anytime Touchdown Scorer @ 17/10

Deebo Samuel vented his frustration this week when he took to social media to blame a lack of opportunities for his downturn in production.

The Niners star has accumulated only 97 yards from scrimmage on 17 touches over the past four weeks.

He hasn't exceeded 35 yards from scrimmage or scored a touchdown in any of San Francisco’s last four games.

It is Samuel’s worst run since his rookie season and a far cry from the 12-touchdown regular-season campaign he put together last year. You can bet the 49ers coaches will be working hard to rectify that this week.

Samuel will be going up against a Rams defence who allowed 445 yards and six touchdowns in last week’s win over the Bills, so this may be a good chance to break his drought.

Remember to check out our NFL Betting Tips index page where we preview games live on Sky Sports along with a weekly Predictions column.