Kickoff is nearly here for Thursday night’s game between the New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Rams — and nearly every NFL expert is picking against the black and gold this week. Few prognosticators are calling for a blowout, but the Rams are a unanimous pick to beat the Saints.
So what are our staff writers here at Saints Wire expecting? Check our final score predictions and see:
Saints 28, Rams 20
This game has a lot riding on the line for both teams, with both sitting at 7-7 and desperately in need of another win. The Rams offense has been exceptional as of late, putting up 30+ against the Ravens, Browns, and Cardinals in back to back games, and then 28 last week against the Commanders. On the other side, the Saints are coming off of a seven sack performance against the Giants in which they held New York to six points. This game is the ultimate offense-versus-defense matchup, and could be an overtime game if things play out as they look like they will. I give the Saints the edge solely off of momentum, as the Rams lost against the Ravens two weeks ago and then scraped one out against Washington. — Jeremy Trottier
Rams 24, Saints 17
This will be a close game, but the Rams will win the most important battle. Their defensive line will get pressure on Derek Carr which will disrupt the offense. The Rams offense has enough talent to where New Orleans will give up some plays. The question is how many? — Darrion Gray
Saints 21, Rams 17
As crazy as it may sound, the Saints might actually be working with something right now. They have plenty to play for and from all accounts, the locker room is still in the mindset that they will try to win. The defense looked more alive than they have all season last week, they will need that to carry over into this one. Carr and the rest of the offense just need to keep playing efficient football. It could go either way, but I have the Saints taking this one. — Dylan Sanders
Rams 34, Saints 24
The Saints have figured some things out offensively in recent weeks, but they may struggle to keep pace with a Rams offense that’s easily scoring 30-plus points per game. Los Angeles has challenged better offenses than New Orleans with their well-coached defense and this isn’t looking like a good matchup for Dennis Allen’s team. — John Sigler
