Happy holidays to all as the NFL ramps up another extended weekend of football; starting with an important Thursday night matchup. In this post, we’ll be making our Saints-Rams same-game parlay picks, which will hopefully help your holiday spending sprees.
Both the LA Rams and New Orleans Saints have playoff aspirations, both need this game, and both teams are coming off wins. The Saints are in a terrible spot, at least for their head coach coming into this particular game. Despite winning his second straight game last week, Dennis Allen is still just 6-15 SU and 4-15-2 ATS in games coming off a win, even worse if that’s a double-digit victory.
It gets worse for Allen; he’s 0-4 SU last four games coming off back to back ATS wins. The good times just don’t seem to last long for any team coached by Allen, this week should prove no different. Here’s the best Same Game Parlay with a Rams victory in the backdrop.
Saints-Rams Same-Game Parlay Picks Thursday Night
Los Angeles Rams -4
Teams like the Saints who come off three straight home games this late in the year, only to hit the road on a short week, simply don’t fare well. There’s a sense of comfort established right through the third home game, making it tougher to just pick up and beat a good team like the Rams on the road. The above numbers for Allen are troubling to say the least, but it’s worse when compounded with how much teams struggle from week 15 on, coming off three straight home games.
With both teams tied at 7-7 and the Rams owning a slight edge in conference play, this is essentially a playoff type game. Since coming off their bye, LA won four of five – the lone loss coming in overtime at Baltimore. Sean McVay is the better coach in this matchup as is Matthew Stafford over all the Saints QBs. Let’s start things off with a 4 point cover by the Rams.
Cooper Kupp O/U 73.5 Receiving Yards (NFL Player Prop)
It appears Matthew Stafford has rekindled the flame with Cooper Kupp. The Rams All-Pro receiver is looking like his old form with back to back 100 yard performances. Maybe it’s the short week or the Saints pass defense, but this feels like somewhat of a buy low spot for Kupp. He’s incredibly difficult to cover with increasingly complex routes that develop over the course of the game. McVay does a fantastic job of moving him around the field, mirroring routes by both tight ends and running backs.
The Rams are going to have an easier pathway establishing the run than the pass, but that might actually help Kupp get to his number. It’s on the rise, as it was below 70.5 at one point, but still worth an add-on here below 75 yards. The Saints will either play two deep behind any coverage on Kupp then be forced to move away to stop the run, or vice a versa, where Kupp burns them before any change. Either way, it’s a good sign he hits this number.
Take Kupp over 73.5 receiving yards, especially with long receptions of 34 and 62 in his last two games.
Play Smarter. Win More.
Puka Nacua Anytime TD (NFL Player Prop)
Puka Nacua has gone scoreless over the past two games, but not from a lack of trying. Matthew Stafford targeted his rookie standout nine times against Baltimore, then eight times last week against the Commanders. There’s a concerted effort to get Nacua the ball, something that should actually increase this week against New Orleans. The Saints have their hands full defending this Rams offense and with Kyren Williams destroying everything he touches, the run game is now a sharp weapon to wield.
The Saints will often have to choose who to leave in solo coverage, most of the time helping out on Kupp. McVay is smart enough to run Tyler Higbee in spots that create some space for Nacua, not to mention the latter having enough breakaway speed to get downfield versus most coverage.
The best angle for Nacua to score may simply be he’s good enough to take advantage of any break or mistake that comes his way. Blown coverage, missed tackle or pass deflection, two guys running into each other, or simply beating another guy down field – Nacua is a fine option to close down this same game parlay.
Final NFL Steelers-Colts Same-Game Parlay Picks Today
Leg 1: Los Angeles Rams -4
Leg 2: Cooper Kupp Over 73.5 RecYd (NFL Player Prop)
Leg 3: Puka Nacua Anytime TD (NFL Player Prop)
= +575 at DraftKings Sportsbook
OddsShopper’s NFL Tools & Tips
New to sports betting? OddsShopper’s selection of Betting 101 articles is here to help. Check out our guide to finding positive expected value (+EV), and you can unlock more +EV plays by signing up for OddsShopper Premium!
