The Rams are back in the playoffs and will need all hands on deck to beat the mighty Lions
The Los Angeles Rams (+3) are red hot as they leap into the postseason after winning seven of their last eight games to end the season 10-7. The Lions hill host them and more notably will host Matthew Stafford at Ford Field for the first time since the Rams acquired him from the Lions via trade. Former Ram quarterback Jared Goff had his shot at revenge when he played the Rams at SoFi in 2021 but fell short, now he has a chance to send the team that gave up on him home. Will the Detroit Lions (-3) send the Los Angeles Rams packing? The Rams are current three point underdogs on DraftKings Sportsbook. Here are some of the prop bets you can find at DraftKings Sportsbook for the game.
Kyren Williams, over 80.5 rushing yards
The Rams know one thing for certain if they want to win this football game they will have to pound the rock. Kyren Williams has had at least 20 carries in every game he’s started in since he’s been fully healthy and back from his ankle injury. Williams one disadvantage going into this game is that he was rested last week so there’s an outside shot he’s taken out of his rhythm by that. However, more importantly the Lions defense has done well at stopping the run. Over the last eight games of the year Detroit is allowing the 9th fewest rushing yards to opposing teams.
Here’s why I am slamming this prop though. Kyren Williams has not missed this prop of 80.5 in the seven games he’s played since coming back from his injury. He’s more likely to go over 100 yards than he is to fall short of this. Why you might ask? Williams has five 100-plus yard games in that seven game span. He’s been the engine to the Rams offense and in the most important game of the year I do not see Sean McVay deviating too far away from him. The Rams offensive line has been great in the run game but even if the Lions have their way Williams has forced the third-most missed tackles in the league since the bye week. Take the over on Kyren unless you have no confidence in the Rams winning this game.
Puka Nacua, over 76.5 receiving yards
Puka has been magic for the Rams this year. He just broke the rookie records last week for receptions and receiving yards and secured the greatest receiver season in the league’s 104 year history. Now, Nacua has the stage set in one of the most highly-anticipated playoff matchups maybe ever? Nacua has a chance to put on a show against one of the worst secondaries statistically in the league. He just needs 77 yards and he’s done that in eight games this year.
Nacua could very well be the receiver teams like the Lions start to key in on but Cooper Kupp is still one of the best in the game so you cannot leave him unguarded either. Let’s be honest here, if the resume holds up, what we’ve seen from the Lions the last eight weeks would indicate the Rams are about to throw all over this secondary and Puka in a win or go home game should light it up in Detroit. I’m taking the over with the momentum he has built going into the playoffs.
Aaron Donald, over 0.25 sacks
Aaron Donald is the best defensive player maybe ever. He’s coming off a season in which he didn’t lead the team in sacks but was among the top 10 in the NFL in pressures on the quarterback. Donald has six sacks when playing the Lions but all six of those were on Matthew Stafford. He didn’t record one against Jared Goff when they faced off in 2021. I think he’s going to do it now. Goff struggles mightily when he’s pressured and you are getting Donald off a week of rest.
Donald has six career sacks in the playoffs. He didn’t record one in 2018 but he recorded 5.5 over the last six games. Donald will go up against a good offensive line in the Lions but an offensive line that has still given up the most pressured throws in the league and keep in mind Goff has still been sacked 30 times this year. All Donald needs is a half sack and you win this bet. I’m taking the over on the .25 sacks.