The Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams head into the NFC West clash with different priorities.
Seattle is looking to end the season on a high note, while Los Angeles is looking ahead to the postseason and starting backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo in Week 18.
As a result, my Seahawks vs. Rams predictions and NFL picks expect Seattle's defense to take control in Inglewood on Sunday, January 5.
Kick-off is set for 4:25 p.m. ET live on FOX.
Seahawks vs Rams prediction
- Moneyline prediction: Seahawks moneyline (-278)
- Spread prediction: Seahawks -6.5 (-110)
- Over/Under prediction: Under 39 (-110)
- Best bet: Seahawks -6.5 (-110)
Seahawks vs Rams spread predictions: Seahawks -6.5 (-110 at BetMGM)
The Los Angeles Rams are starting backup QB Jimmy Garoppolo, and I’m anticipating additional key players on both sides of the ball to rest Sunday. I don’t think it’s fully been priced into this spread yet because it’s business as usual for the Seattle Seahawks, and they can post their first double-digit win season since 2020 with a Week 18 victory.
Seahawks vs Rams moneyline prediction: Seahawks Moneyline (-278 at BetMGM)
Seattle sets up as an excellent teaser leg or addition to a moneyline parlay in Week 18. The Seahawks have won eight of their past 10 road games, and the Rams have only eclipsed their team total in six of their past 19 contests.
Seahawks vs Rams total prediction: Under 39 (-110 at BetMGM)
The Seahawks have been sneaky good on defense. They’ve allowed the 10th-fewest points per game (21.4), ninth-lowest EPA per play, and eighth-lowest yards per passing attempt to opposing quarterbacks while generating the seventh-highest pressure percentage. I anticipate the Rams' offense will fail to meet their end of the bargain.
My best bet
Seahawks -6.5 (-110 at BetMGM)
My analysis
There are a lot of cards already on the table ahead of this mostly meaningless NFC West clash between the Seahawks and Rams.
Los Angeles head coach Sean McVay has already Garoppolo will be starting, and McVay has a lengthy track record of resting key starters in the final week of the season. Starting right tackle Rob Havenstein (shoulder) will also miss Sunday’s tilt.
On the other sideline, Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald has confirmed it will be all systems go. Additionally, quarterback Geno Smith has multiple contract incentives within reach heading into the season finale.
Of course, these known cards have largely been priced into the Seahawks -6.5 spread.
One of the unknowns is just how steep the dropoff will be from Rams No. 1 QB Matthew Stafford to Garoppolo, and another is just how many other key LA players will be rested.
I’m expecting the QB dropoff to be significant because it’s going to be exacerbated by the Rams resting running back Kyren Williams, as well as star receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua.
Of the 41 quarterbacks with at least 180 dropbacks last year, Garoppolo ranked 31st in PFF offense grade and 32nd in adjusted EPA per play. Add the potential for key playmakers to be idle to the fact that Garoppolo hasn’t suited up since Week 8 last year, and I like Seattle covering the number Sunday.
Seahawks vs Rams same-game parlay
Seahawks -6.5
Geno Smith Over 31.5 passing attempts
Jaxon Smith-Njigba Over 66.5 receiving yards
Geno Smith can cash in three $2 million escalators in his contract with a 10-win season, 4,282 passing yards (just 185 away) and a completion percentage better than his 69.75% mark in 2022 (he's currently at 70.23%). As a result, I’m anticipating him taking to the air early and often in an effort to hit his incentive.
A Seahawks receiver I’m expecting to see plenty of looks is Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and he can become the franchise leader in receptions by hauling in five passes Sunday. Smith-Njigba had cleared this 66.5 benchmark in eight consecutive games before being held to just 32 receiving yards in Week 17, so I’m looking for the breakout wideout to bounce back with a solid showing against the Rams.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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More NFL picks and odds from Covers
Seahawks vs Rams odds
Seahawks vs Rams live odds
Seahawks vs Rams opening odds
- Spread: Seattle -2.5 | Los Angeles +2.5
- Moneyline: Seattle -145 | Los Angeles +120
- Over/Under: Over 41.5 | Under 41.5
Odds courtesy of BetMGM
Seahawks vs Rams spread and Over/Under analysis
- There has been a notable move to the Seattle side of this spread at BetMGM, and I’m anticipating the Seattle side to be targeted as a teaser leg and addition to moneyline parlays.
- For what it’s worth, the Rams have won six of their past eight games against the Seahawks, and Los Angeles covered the number in seven of eight.
- There has already been a move to the Under at BetMGM, with the shop opening at 41.5 on Sunday and dropping to 39 as of Friday afternoon.
- I’m expecting the number to continue dropping because other shops are already testing 38.5, and as discussed, the Seattle defense should show off against Garoppolo.
Seahawks vs Rams betting trend to know
Seattle has covered the spread in four of its past five road games. Find more NFL betting trends for Seahawks vs. Rams.
Seahawks vs Rams game info
| Location: | SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA |
| Date: | Sunday, 1-5, 2025 |
| Kickoff: | 4:25 p.m. ET |
| TV: | FOX |
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