New England Patriots at Los Angeles Rams Betting Preview

Week 14 of the NFL season kicks off on Thursday night, with the New England Patriots visiting the Los Angeles Rams.

The Patriots' postseason chances aren’t dead yet. At 6-6 they are still very much alive for a playoff spot, and that would be significant if they get it.

New England’s streak of 11 consecutive playoff appearances is by far the longest in the league. Kansas City’s six straight seasons (already extended in 2020) is second.

For the Rams, the NFC West title is still very much in play. A win last week against Arizona, coupled with Seattle’s surprising loss to the Giants, has the Rams and Seahawks in a tie for first place. A Dec. 27 matchup between the two at Lumen Field in Seattle is looming.

But of course the Rams better not look past New England, who they play for the first time since the Patriots beat them 13-3 in Super Bowl LIII.

The Line: Patriots at Rams (-6)

It’s hard to ignore the Patriots' 45-0 demolition of the Chargers on Sunday or the slight edge they get over a normal road Thursday team by having just played in the same stadium and not traveling this week. But getting two touchdowns on special teams and a total of 145 punt returns is unlikely to repeat itself.

The Rams are getting good play out of Jared Goff and great play out of Defensive Player of the Year candidate and all-world stud Aaron Donald, and that is what has them as six-point favorites, according to bookmakers.

New England Patriots

It is perhaps the most unusual stat line of 2020. In the last two games, Cam Newton has thrown for a total of 153 yards - COMBINED - and the Patriots have won both games. 

The Dunkel Index has New England as the 16th best team in the NFL (135.128), which is right where its 6-6 record sits. But if the Patriots get into the playoffs, they will be that proverbial team “no one wants to face.”

They can win a multitude of ways, and they still have the best head coach of all-time in Bill Belichick.

Los Angeles Rams

Statistics-wise, the Rams have played like one of the best teams in the NFL. Their offense is ranked fourth overall and the defense is ranked second in the NFL.

But inconsistent play has plagued them, as they lost two weeks ago to an undermanned 49ers team - their second loss of the season to their rivals to the north.

Still, impressive wins against current playoff teams Seattle and Tampa Bay have them in position to win their third NFC West title in four seasons under head coach Sean McVay.

The Pick

The stats are gaudy and the NFL rankings are impressive, but according to the Dunkel Index, the Rams rank just eighth in the NFL. That makes them a good team, but a vulnerable team, and especially vulnerable to a Patriots team playing its best football of the season.

New England runs the ball well, has an expert schemer in Belichick and is fighting for its playoff life, and Dunkel has the Patriots in the upset. It doesn't just cover the six-point spread - New England wins this game outright.

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