Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks Betting Preview

There is still a Week 17 to play, so it's possible that not all will be decided in the NFC West this week. But as the Los Angeles Rams gear up for their game at Seattle against the Seahawks, they know that a win will put them in first place and guarantee no worse than a Wild Card spot.

The Seahawks have already punched their ticket for the postseason, but they will clinch the division with a victory. The winner of the NFC West is guaranteed at least the third seed in the NFC, and the second seed is still in play.

The Line: Rams at Seahawks (-2)

The last time we saw the Rams, they were suffering the biggest embarrassment of the NFL season - a loss to the previously winless New York Jets. But they've had a number of big wins, too, including at Tampa Bay and at Arizona. 

Clearly, the bookmakers in Las Vegas think the better Rams team will be making the trip to Seattle and making a game out of it.

Seattle started the season with the best offense in the NFL as Pete Carroll and his offensive staff "let Russ cook." But the offense has gone back into its shell of late, losing to the Giants while scoring 12 and struggling to beat Washington while only scoring 20.

Los Angeles Rams

The responsibility for the loss to the Jets falls squarely on the shoulders of the Rams offense. The inconsistency of Jared Goff is the thing that has kept the Rams from being consistent winners. 

He threw a pair of interceptions in each of Los Angeles' losses to the Dolphins and 49ers, and last week against the Jets, he didn't break 200 yards until the end of the game.

The Dunkel Index has the Rams ranked as the 11th best team in the NFL.

Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks running game has been considerably better of late, but it seems to be coming at the expense of the passing game. Russell Wilson had 14 touchdowns in his first three games, 12 touchdowns in his next four, but just 11 touchdowns in Seattle's last seven games. 

Last week against Washington, he finished with 121 yards and has now thrown a career-high 13 interceptions.

In spite of Wilson's recent struggles, the Dunkel Index has ranked the Seahawks as the seventh-best team in the NFL.

Rams Win, Move Into First Place

Instead of competing 10-4 teams like we all expected to see on Sunday, this is now a must-win for the Rams. The Jets loss has changed the equation, and because of that, they will be focused. 

Look for head coach Sean McVay to exploit Seattle's 32nd-ranked pass defense and move the ball up and down the field. And if Goff can protect the football and finish those drives, Los Angeles will win.

Seattle's ground game has been better, but the Rams have the top-ranked defense in the NFL and the second-best against the run. The Rams win this game and move ahead of Seattle on the tiebreaker.

For more Dunkel Index picks, check out our NFL picks page.