Last week, Sean McVay deployed three-tight-end sets on an eye-popping 61% of snaps. Colby Parkinson, Davis Allen, and Terrance Ferguson all played at least 65% of the snaps and combined for 13 targets on 51 dropbacks. That usage makes the entire group intriguing from a props standpoint, but Parkinson stands out. He’s coming off a quiet outing that burned some bettors, which should help keep his number in check. THE BLITZ projects him for over 4.5 catches and 47 receiving yards, well above his current lines. Parkinson led all Rams in snap share at 85% and should remain heavily involved in another indoor, must-win spot. Indoor environments boost passing volume and efficiency, and with the Rams clearly committed to featuring their tight ends, Parkinson’s role sets up well. The Over 33.5 receiving yards is my preferred look, and the Over 3.5 receptions at -120 is also very playable.
With Davante Adams likely sidelined again, Xavier Smith should see meaningful snaps as the No. 2 or No. 3 receiver. Smith brings true vertical speed with a sub-4.40 40-yard dash and has the ability to get behind defenses, which showed up last week on a 48-yard catch. He’s a classic boom-or-bust option, but the opportunity is there. Smith ran the third-most routes among the Rams wide receivers and only needs one or two connections to pay off at this number. Konata Mumpfield may draw more attention on Monday night, but at +600 or better, Smith offers the better risk-reward profile.
The Falcons aren’t going to the tournament but continue to battle with veteran QB Kirk Cousins under center. Atlanta has won back-to-back road games and Monday will be just its second homestand in the past six weeks.
Los Angeles is a much stiffer test defensively than the Falcons’ recent foes but this team has a bevy of offensive weapons, especially with the return of WR Drake London, and head coach Raheem Morris could be coaching for his job on MNF.
This spread opened Atlanta +7.5 and jumped to +8.5, which is an underrated key number in football betting. I like the fight in the Falcons enough to take the pile of points with the home side.