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Rams vs. Saints preview: Sneak peak at NFC Championship Game?

By Rebecca Mills

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 26: Todd Gurley #30 of the Los Angeles Rams runs down field during the third quarter in the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 26, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 26: Todd Gurley #30 of the Los Angeles Rams runs down field during the third quarter in the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 26, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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The Los Angeles Rams travel to take on the New Orleans Saints in what could be an early look at the 2018 NFC Championship matchup.

The NFC Championship race has gotten hotter. Spearheaded by the undefeated Los Angeles Rams, it’s clear they’re a contender and should get a spot. Even so, they showed some cracks against the Packers last week. That’s where the New Orleans Saints come in. The two teams met last season with the Rams coming out on top, but this season’s stakes are even higher as the meet in Week 9

For the Rams, they continue their absolute domination of the NFL. Their offense has continued to produce between Todd Gurley, Jared Goff and Cooper Kupp. As for the defense, they’ve become even tougher during free agency including the newly acquired defensive end, Dante Fowler Jr. Last week proved the Rams are beatable but can make plays when under pressure. Either way, the Rams are easily the strongest team in the league.

That’s not to say the New Orleans Saints are weak. Their single loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 1 only motivated them more. Since then, the Saints haven’t lost and just took down the Minnesota Vikings including an interception return for a touchdown. Their offense is on pace for an even better showing than last season while the defense has bounced back after an abysmal start to the season.

Both teams are at the forefront of their division, have handled adversity brilliantly and are likely to meet in the playoffs. A win or loss here could determine how they play in the latter half of the season. For the Rams, it’s a chance to prove them being undefeated isn’t all hype. For the Saints, they’ll have taken down an undefeated team and get a little revenge on the Rams for snapping their 8-game winning streak.

To say this game is highly anticipated would be an understatement. Even people who aren’t fans of either team are sure to tune in.

TV and Live Stream Info

Date: Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018
Start Time: 4:25 p.m. EST
Location: New Orleans, LA
Stadium: Mercedes-Benz Superdome
TV Info: Fox
Live Stream: NFL Sunday Ticket, FuboTV

Even against the unbeaten Rams, the Saints have the home-field advantage and the oddsmakers are taking notice, making them favorites. That makes things all the more interesting, as does an Over/Under line that’s just a fraction under 60 points.

Betting Odds (via Odds Shark)

Point Spread: New Orleans -1.5
Moneyline: Los Angeles +110, New Orleans -120
Over/Under: 59.5

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Prediction

No doubt this is one of the most anticipated games this week. Fresh off a huge win, the New Orleans Saints are confident and ready to take on the Rams. For the Rams, it’s their chance to prove they’re the leaders in the NFC. Between the two teams, I think the Saints have a better chance at winning as the Rams already have pressure on them.

Nevertheless, it’s going to be a great game. Watching the two face off could be our early preview of the NFC Championship. Even though I picked the Saints to win, the game will be close and more than likely decided between an extra point or a field goal.

Final Score: Los Angeles 28, New Orleans 31

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