The struggling St.Louis Rams host the red hot San Francisco 49ers, Sunday Jan 1st, who have won eight of their last ten games. San Francisco has already clinched the NFC West, and remained in position for the No. 2 seed in the conference and a first-round playoff bye. NFL oddsmakers have the Niners as whopping -11.5 point road favorites over the Rams with the over/under set at 35.5 points. Be sure to get the latest San Francisco 49ers vs St.Louis Rams Spreads before making your 2011 NFL Picks Week 16.
San Francisco (12-3, 5-2 V) held on for a 19-17 road victory over the Seattle Seahawks, in Week 16. QB Alex Smith finished 14 of 26 for 179 yards, while WR Michael Crabtree had five catches for 85 yards. David Akers kicked four field goals, including a 39-yarder with 2:57 left to give San Francisco the win. Akers set an NFL record with his 42nd field goal of the season. RB Frank Gore had a 4-yard touchdown run on the 49ers’ first drive of the second half.
The Niners need only to win Sunday’s game against the lowly Rams to secure the No. 2 seed, though it’s not entirely required. The Saints moved to 12-3 on Monday Night Football, soundly beating the Atlanta Falcons, and San Francisco holds a tiebreak. If the 49ers don’t beat the Rams and the Saints also lose their game, then San Francisco would still hold the No. 2 seed. San Francisco likely had hoped to rest some starters on Sunday, it’s likely that the usual guys will be in action. Players like Justin Smith, Carlos Rogers, Frank Gore and Patrick Willis could use a break (if Willis is even healthy enough to go), and it’s very possible that Jim Harbaugh wanted to give Colin Kaepernick some playing time in lieu of Alex Smith.
St.Louis (2-13, 1-6 H) got skunked 0-27, on the road, by Pittsburgh in Week 16. The Rams managed just 232 yards while being shut out for the second time this month and losing its sixth in a row. RB Steven Jackson rushed for 103 yards to top 1,000 for the seventh consecutive season, but backup QB Kellen Clemens sputtered in place of the injured Sam Bradford.
For the Rams, they’d love to play spoiler, and that’s really all this game could be at this point. They’re lined up for one of the top picks in the draft, and there will be players and coaches trying to secure jobs next season, and that could mean beating the 49ers. Not a ton has changed since the last time these two teams met, when the 49ers thoroughly dominated.
Recent Trends to Consider:
Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in St. Louis.
Favorite is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings.
Under is 8-3 in the last 11 meetings.
49ers are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 meetings.
49ers are 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 meetings in St. Louis.
Home team is 5-2 ATS in their last 7 meetings.
49ers are 5-1-1 ATS vs. a team with a losing record.
49ers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 vs. NFC West.
49ers are 9-2-1 ATS in their last 12 games following a S.U. win.
49ers are 9-2-1 ATS in their last 12 games following a ATS win.
49ers are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 games in Week 17.
San Francisco 49ers vs St.Louis Rams
When: Sunday, Jan 1st, 2011 1:00 PM EST
Pick: Niners -10.5
Point-Spreads recommends you check the Niners vs Rams Spreads before the game kicks-off.
The Bottom Line: The Niners defense will dominate, especially against the run. NFL Point Spreads Expert Tyler Morgan went 2-1 ATS in Week 16, winning on underdogs Buffalo vs Denver to bring his NFL Predictions record to 73-39-4 for the season. Morgan, whose 2011 NFL Picks are hitting at 65% against the spread. Tyler’s moves have put thousands of dollars into his clients hands week after week. The good news for NFL Football bettors is – TYLER MORGAN’S PICKS ARE FREE – unlike most self proclaimed experts who charge big bucks to subscribers. Put a few Morgan Silver Dollars in your bank account by getting Tyler’s winning plays for FREE. Feel free to sign up to get NFL Picks Free!
