Los Angeles Rams vs. Kansas City Chiefs (11/27 @ 4:25 PM EST.)
Spread: Kansas City (-14.5)
Total: Over 44
Overview and Betting Info
Back in May, when the NFL released the 2022 schedule, NFL fans had this Rams vs. Chiefs game circled on their calendars. Could it be a preview of February 2023’s Super Bowl 57? As it turns out, this seems unlikely as these teams have drifted in opposite directions thus far in 2022.
Los Angeles Rams
The 3-7 Los Angeles Rams are sleepwalking through the 2022 NFL season. The defending Super Bowl Champions look nothing like their 2021 selves. Injuries and lackluster play have been persistent themes for this season. The Rams have not won a game since October 16 against the Carolina Panthers. Since then, it has been four straight losses with the most recent being a Week 11 defeat at the hands of the New Orleans Saints.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford is in concussion protocol for the second time in four weeks. He missed the Week 10 loss to the Arizona Cardinals due to a concussion sustained in Week 9 and left the Week 11 game early with an apparent concussion. Coach Sean McVay is not divulging much information about Stafford’s status or availability for Sunday’s game.
The Rams are ranked 25th in the Pro Football Talk Week 12 rankings, down two spots from the 23rd spot in Week 11. They average 16.8 points scored per game while giving up an average of 22.7 points. The running game has been virtually nonexistent with an average of 76.1 yards rushing per game.
Kansas City Chiefs
The 8-2 Chiefs complete their tour of Los Angeles football teams in Week 12. They rallied from behind and defeated the Chargers in Sunday Night Football in Week 11. They are in the midst of a four-game winning streak; the last loss was on October 16 to the Buffalo Bills.
For those who thought Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offense would miss Tyreek Hill, the Chiefs have proved them wrong. Mahomes is having an outstanding season with 28 touchdown passes, 7 interceptions, and 3,265 passing yards. He also has 238 yards rushing and 1 touchdown, and the key stat for Mahomes when he carries the ball is that he is averaging a career high 6.3 yards per carry.
The Chiefs are Pro Football Talk’s top ranked team in the Week 12 rankings. They are peaking at the right time, and everything is running on all cylinders for them. The Chiefs average 30 points scored per game while allowing 23.3 per game. They are netting over 100 offensive yards per game more than the Rams with the Chiefs at 441.1 and the Rams at 313.3.
Free Pick: Over 44
At home in Arrowhead, the Chiefs offense will once again create fireworks. Stafford’s availability for the game is a question mark that directly impacts whether the Chiefs can cover the hefty 14.5 spread. Regardless, the Rams are desperate for a win. Given all these circumstances, Over 44 is the best option.
