Rams’ Odds to Win NFC West Fade to +400, Behind Niners & Seahawks

• Following three straight losses, the LA Rams have tumbled to a +400 bet to repeat as NFC West champions
• Injuries to Todd Gurley, Clay Matthews, and Aqib Talib have contributed to the Rams’ slide
• The undefeated San Francisco 49ers have emerged as -130 favorites, but the Seattle Seahawks currently off the most value as a +200 bet on the NFC West odds

The Los Angeles Rams early-season struggles continued in Week 6, with the squad suffering a stunning 20-7 defeat at the hands of the San Francisco 49ers. Now riding a three-game SU losing streak, the Rams have been punished in NFL futures betting, tumbling to a lengthy +400 to win the NFC West on the NFL divisional odds.

Odds to Win NFC West

*Odds taken on 10/14/19

Rams Opened Season as Massive Favorite to Win Division

Winners of 13 games and a second straight NFC West title last season, the Rams opened the current campaign among the leaders in the NFL futures. In addition to opening the season as a strong +800 wager in the Super Bowl odds, Los Angeles also returned to action as massive -160 chalk to once again finish atop the NFC West standings.

Wonder what people think about the #Rams' defense after a 55-40 loss. Buccaneers scored 7 touchdowns, but 4 came after Jared Goff turnovers and 1 after getting the ball at their 40. Rams rank 8th in opponents' yards per play, 7th in opponents' passer rating, 9th against the run.

— Kevin Modesti (@KevinModesti) September 30, 2019

The Rams held relatively steady over the first three weeks of the campaign, while tallying SU and ATS wins over Carolina, New Orleans, and Cleveland. However, things quickly came undone in Week 4, as Jameis Winston and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers exploited a Los Angeles defense in disarray, on their way to a 55-40 win that marks the second most points that the Rams have given up in their 83-year history.

Injuries Contribute to Rams’ Slide

Injuries have not helped the Rams in their bid to right the ship. In addition to losing six-time pro Bowl linebacker Clay Matthews indefinitely to a broken jaw suffered in the team’s 30-29 loss in Seattle last week, the Rams remain without superstar running back Todd Gurley, who missed Sunday’s loss to San Francisco due to a leg injury, also suffered against the Seahawks.

Cornerback Aqib Talib also remains on the shelf indefinitely after being put on injured reserve with a rib injury after missing this past Sunday’s game, which the Rams entered still sporting short -150 odds to win the division.

Saw Clay Matthews break his jaw playing the Seahawks last Thursday. He walked off under his own power. Never seen a hockey player actually walk off after a broken jaw.

— chris long (@JOEL9ONE) October 7, 2019

Now lagging in the third place in the NFC West, behind the undefeated 49ers and 5-1 Seahawks, the Rams’ prospects to win another divisional crown look bleak as they prepare to take on the Atlanta Falcons in Week 7.

Favorable Matchups Await Over Next Month

The Rams enjoy a golden opportunity to get back into the divisional hunt over the next four weeks. Los Angeles visits a Falcons squad in disarray next weekend, followed by a visit from the winless Cincinnati Bengals in Week 8. The team then enjoys a much-needed bye in Week 9 before visiting the 2-4 Pittsburgh Steelers a week later.

The 2019 Los Angeles Rams Schedule pic.twitter.com/lxJrKA55io

— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) April 18, 2019

The upcoming stretch is critical to the Rams’ chances of a first-place finish, considering that the 49ers have built their 5-0 record on a trio of wins over AFC North opponents. The same is true of the Seahawks, who have gone 3-0 so far against AFC North opponents.

San Francisco prepares for a three-game stretch featuring matchups with Washington, Carolina, and Arizona, while the Seahawks battle Baltimore, Atlanta, and Tampa Bay, before the two NFC West rivals clash in Week 10.

But the Rams will need a lot of help over the next four weeks, as San Francisco prepares for a three-game stretch featuring matchups with Washington, Carolina, and Arizona, while the Seahawks battle Baltimore, Atlanta, and Tampa Bay, before the two NFC West rivals clash in Week 10.

Rams Own Dismal Record vs Falcons, Bengals, Steelers

And while Los Angeles looks to have the upper hand on paper against their upcoming opponents, history begs to differ. The Rams have lost five straight to Atlanta capped by a lopsided 26-13 loss on wild card weekend two seasons ago. The squad is also a combined 0-6 against the Bengals and Steelers since 2007. Pittsburgh’s steady play since opening on a 0-3 run does not bode well for the Rams either.

Jared Goff, who fumbled in 10 straight games prior to not fumbling last week, fumbled again today. That's 13 fumbles and 13 INTs in his last 12 games for him.

— Football Perspective (@fbgchase) October 13, 2019

In addition to the growing list of injuries, there is growing concern about the effectiveness of Jared Goff under center. The 24-year-old pivot is coming off a dismal 78-yard passing performance in Sunday’s loss to the Niners, and has tossed for just seven scores against seven picks this season.

Seahawks Offer Value

The Rams still sport the talent, and a schedule favorable enough to reach the NFL playoffs for a third straight year.

NFC West standings through Week 6:

1. 49ers (5-0)
2. Seahawks (5-1)
3. Rams (3-3)
4. Cardinals (2-3-1)

— Joe Fann (@Joe_Fann) October 13, 2019

But with so little control over their own destiny, a divisional title likely remains out of reach, with the best value bet to take the NFC West crown being the Seattle Seahawks, who enjoy a favorable schedule in the second half, and own a dominating 12-2 SU record in their past 14 meetings with San Francisco.

Pick: Seattle Seahawks to win NFC West (+200)