The Rams vs. 49ers on Thursday night kicks off Week 15 of the 2024 NFL season, as the race for the NFC West heats up.
Week 15’s Thursday Night Football brings the spotlight to Levi’s Stadium, where the San Francisco 49ers host the Los Angeles Rams in a pivotal NFC West showdown. The Rams (7-6) and 49ers (6-7) are locked in a chase to close the gap on the division-leading Seattle Seahawks (8-5), with just four games left in the regular season.
This marks the second meeting of the year between these rivals, a matchup with playoff implications looming large. While the NFC West teams battle for positioning, all eyes remain on the dominant Detroit Lions (12-1). Detroit solidified its standing as the conference’s top seed with a thrilling 34-31 victory over the Green Bay Packers last week, decided by a last-second field goal in a game that captivated fans and bettors alike.
Check out our Rams vs 49ers picks, predictions, and best bets!
Also, check out all of our NFL previews and picks!
Rams vs. 49ers Betting Preview
All Rams vs. 49ers odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct on Wednesday, Nov. 20.
- Spread: 49ers -3
- Moneyline: Rams +130 | 49ers -140
- Over/Under: 49
- Game Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
- Location: Levi’s Stadium | Santa Clara, CA
- Predicted Weather at Kick: 53 degrees, Cloudy with a chance of rain, 6 MPH Wind
- How to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Rams vs. 49ers Picks, Predictions, and Best Player Prop Bets
The spotlight sharpens on Levi’s Stadium as the 49ers and Rams prepare for a pivotal clash, with injury news clouding the San Francisco sidelines. Left tackle Trent Williams is set to miss his fourth straight game. Without him, the Niners have stumbled, going 1-2, their lone win coming against the struggling Bears.
Meanwhile, running back Isaac Guerendo, now thrust into the starting role, “plans to play” despite a recent foot injury, though his effectiveness remains uncertain. Adding to the intrigue, defensive anchor Nick Bosa is a game-time decision after a limited practice week.
The Rams arrive with momentum, winning six of their last eight games following a 1-4 start. However, those victories haven’t come easily; Los Angeles was out-gained in four of those wins. The Rams leaned on resilience in a 44-42 shootout against the Bills last week but allowed a staggering 8.2 yards per play.
The 49ers will aim to exploit Los Angeles’ faltering run defense, which has surrendered 186 rushing yards per game over its last three contests. Still, the Rams have shown fight, including a Week 3 comeback win over San Francisco, fueled by a 13-3 fourth-quarter surge. But with a pass defense ranked 24th in yards allowed and struggling against opposing quarterbacks, the Rams will need more than grit to upset their NFC West rivals.
Still, I’m taking the +3 in this pivotal NFC West showdown.
Puka Nakua – WR, Rams – Over 88.5 Receiving Yards (-115)
Recent history tells us this: the Rams’ offense no longer revolves around Cooper Kupp. The mantle now rests with Puka Nacua, and the second-year receiver has embraced it. After missing five games with a knee injury, Nacua has returned to form, averaging 10.1 targets, 7.1 receptions, and 96.1 yards per game in seven appearances. When removing his first two games back, where his snaps were limited, those averages soar to 11.6 targets, 8.4 receptions, and 111.2 yards.
Nacua has eclipsed 100 yards in three of the last four games, proving to be Matthew Stafford’s go-to option—a role Kupp once owned. Four games this season have seen him hit triple digits, with another where he came tantalizingly close, tallying 98 yards against Miami. Against the 49ers last year, Nacua shone, hauling in 15 passes for 147 yards.
PUKA NACUA WITH THE GO-AHEAD TOUCHDOWN🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨pic.twitter.com/PaZjhpYm5m
— PlayerProfiler (@rotounderworld) December 9, 2024
Kyren Williams – RR, Rams – Anytime Touchdown Scorer (-160)
Kyren Williams has been unstoppable this season, scoring 14 touchdowns—12 rushing and two receiving—in just 13 games. After starting the season with touchdowns in seven straight games, Williams had a brief scoring hiatus but has now found the end zone in three consecutive contests.
In their last meeting, he delivered two rushing touchdowns against the 49ers, showcasing his ability to exploit a defense. San Francisco has struggled in the red zone, allowing the second-most rushing TDs in the league (14) and touchdowns on 72.09% of opponents’ red zone trips—the second-worst mark in the NFL.
Williams thrives near the goal line, with 17 carries inside the 5-yard line resulting in 11 of his 14 scores. His knack for finding the end zone has made him one of the most reliable weapons in the league, especially against vulnerable defenses like the 49ers.
KYREN WILLIAMS TOUCHDOWN X2 🔥 pic.twitter.com/C6wWCibQuX
— Alexis Kraft (@TheAlexisKraft) December 8, 2024
Best Bets:
- Rams +3
- Puka Nakua OVER 88.5 Receiving Yards (-115)
- Kyren Williams Anytime TD Scorer (-160)
