Rams Open as 6.5-Point Favorites Against the Patriots on Thursday Night Football of Week 14

• The Los Angeles Rams have opened as a 6.5-point favorite on Thursday night when they host the New England Patriots
• The Patriots are on a roll as they’ve won four of their last five
• Read below for opening odds analysis and a prediction on which way the line could move before kickoff

The Los Angeles Rams and New England Patriots met in Super Bowl LIII just two years ago but when they meet for Thursday Night Football this week, the rosters are going to look quite different. The Rams have opened as a 6.5-point favorite in this spot but which way will the betting line move by kickoff?

Patriots vs Rams Opening Odds

All odds as of December 6 at FanDuel.

Rams Fresh Off Big Win Over Cardinals

Heading into Week 13, the Rams and Arizona Cardinals were jockeying for position in the NFC playoff picture. A win by the Cardinals would have pulled the teams even in terms of record but the Rams didn’t allow that to happen. They ended up winning 38-28 in what proved to be one of their most impressive efforts of the season.

The Rams got a great game out of quarterback Jared Goff, who finished the day 37-of-47 for 351 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions. The ground game provided 119 yards and three touchdowns while the defense also contributed a pick-six.

🚨 HENDO TAKES IT 38 YARDS 🚨@DarrellH8 x #ProBowlVote pic.twitter.com/5igjPE1TFz

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) December 6, 2020

With the win and the Seattle Seahawks loss to the New York Giants, the Rams have now pulled even for the top spot in the NFC West. A loss would have put them on the boarder of missing the playoffs but the win now puts them in position to contend for a top-four spot as well as a home playoff game.

Patriots Are On A Roll

The Patriots are fresh off what was easily their best performance of the season. They shutout the Los Angeles Chargers 45-0 on the road, easily breezing to their fourth win in five games. As has been the case almost all season, the passing (and offensive numbers) weren’t pretty but the team got the job done.

The Patriots had just 291 yards of offense on Sunday, including just 126 through the air. However, the difference was a pair of Chargers turnovers and a pair of special teams touchdowns. On top of that, the Pats defense slammed the door shut on the Bolts as they didn’t even get into the red zone.

It's Gunner's world, we're just living in it.

@Gunnerolszewsk1 | #GoPats

📺: @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/wPhlTAer2X

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) December 7, 2020

New England may not be that exciting to watch but they’re winning games. If they can keep riding this wave of momentum they’re on, they might be able to get into the playoffs.

Which Way Will The Line Move?

The Rams opened -6.5 but expect this line to come down. The Patriots offense hasn’t been flashy but they’ve been doing enough. Beyond that, they’ve been relying on the defense and game-planning of head coach Bill Belichick to pull these games out. What does that remind you of?

Back in Super Bowl LIII, the Patriots essentially won with this type of strategy. They confused Goff and threw different schemes and pressures at him, and held the Rams to just three points. While a lot has changed since then, this aspect of the matchup hasn’t.

.@CameronNewton would not be denied.

📺: @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/VrMbZ0ZsKP

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) December 6, 2020

Given that the Patriots are coming off their biggest win of the year, expect them to see some action throughout the week as such a big dog and for this spread to come down.