Los Angeles Rams

Rams at Patriots: Preview, Prediction, Odds

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Los Angeles Rams vs. New England Patriots

Just when the New England Patriots would like to be getting into rhythm with the postseason looming in the not-too-distant future, they took a big body blow as a team. Earlier this week, tight end Rob Gronkowski was diagnosed with a herniated disc that required surgery. After undergoing the procedure, he could miss the rest of the season. Now they have to forge on without their biggest weapon. That starts in Foxboro at Gillette Stadium in NFL Week 13 with a matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.

Even without the dynamic tight end, Tom Brady and the Patriots still have the offensive weapons to make things happen. Julian Edelman may be in a bit of a down year, but he’s still a weapon. Moreover, the recent return of Dion Lewis is huge for the offense. However, the biggest key for New England might be their defense finding some kind of effectiveness, which hasn’t been the case this season.

Of course, finding a defensive rhythm isn’t all too difficult against the Rams. Even with Jared Goff at quarterback after a long wait for his debut, LA simply lacks firepower on that side of the ball. Their defense, anchored by Aaron Donald, has been quality. However, relying on your defense to win you games against the Patriots isn’t a great recipe for success.

Here are the keys to victory in this matchup.

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Keys to Victory

Listen, we know that the Rams offense isn’t striking fear in any NFL defense, even with Goff under center. However, the Patriots defense has been by far the biggest weakness for this team to this point in the season. Subsequently, New England really needs to step it up. Brady and the offense will still be able to move the ball without Gronk in the lineup. Still, their offense isn’t quite as potent without the tight end on the field. Therefore, it’s vital that their defense take advantage of what is a favorable matchup.

Meanwhile, the Rams simply can’t make mistake. Whether that means ball-security by Goff and Todd Gurley, blowing coverages on the defense, or getting flagged for stupid penalties, they can’t afford it if they want to pull off the upset. Saying that a team “can’t beat themselves” is one of the most cliched phrases in all of sports. However, it’s particularly true for the Rams in a matchup such as this. They are the less talented team and they can’t be making mistakes that make that gap between the two squads even more severe.

Odds

Point Spread: New England -13.5
Moneyline: New England -900, Los Angeles +600
Over/Under: 44.5

Prediction

Just based off of the perception of these two teams, I don’t think this is going to be as big of a blowout as some people might be expecting. At the very least, Goff has been competent this season and the Pats defense can be had. However, Brady and New England are still too good at home to even think about an upset. They’ll win handily and move to 10-2 on the season.

Pick: Los Angeles Rams: 17, New England Patriots: 34

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