Saints vs. Rams live updates: Predictions, odds, how to watch Thursday Night Football

This season's penultimate edition of "Thursday Night Football" could prove critical in helping determine two NFC teams' postseason fortunes.

The Los Angeles Rams currently stand at 7-7 and in the last wild-card spot thanks to tiebreakers. Once a playoff afterthought after a 3-6 start, Sean McVay's crew has now won four of its last five games to make a serious postseason push. But with a crowded field clawing for two spots, there's little room for error down the stretch.

The New Orleans Saints, meanwhile, head to Los Angeles still tied for first in the NFC South but behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a tiebreaker. The Saints have won consecutive games against the Carolina Panthers and New York Giants to resuscitate their playoff hopes after a three-game skid, but larger tests await down the stretch, as New Orleans will finish with divisional contests against the Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons.

USA TODAY Sports will provide the latest updates, scores, highlights, wild plays, analysis and more from the Saints-Rams game. Follow along. 

What time does Saints vs. Rams begin?

Saints vs. Rams is set to kick off at 8:15 p.m. ET on Thursday, Dec. 21.

NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.

How can I watch Saints vs. Rams?

Saints at Rams will be streaming exclusively on Amazon Prime Video and will be broadcast in local markets only.

Saints vs. Rams: Picks, predictions and odds

The Rams are favorites to defeat the Saints, according to BetMGM NFL odds. 

• Spread: Rams (-12) 
• Moneyline: Rams (-210); Saints (+170) 
• Over/under: 45.5

USA TODAY Sports’ staff picks for this game: 

• Lorenzo Reyes: Rams 24, Saints 18 — In what’s a crucial game for the NFC wild-card picture, the Saints are weak against the run, ranking 24th in the league in rushing defense. Rams running back Kyren Williams has been ultra-productive over the last month and L.A. wins when he does well. The recipe here is clear.
• Tyler Dragon: Rams 23, Saints 20 — This primetime game has playoff implications. Both these 7-7 teams are fighting for wild-card spots in the NFC. Derek Carr is coming off a three-touchdown game, but he’s struggled with consistency in a New Orleans uniform. Rams WR Puka Nacua (1,163) needs 311 more receiving yards to set the NFL’s single-season receiving yards record by a rookie. Cooper Kupp, Nacua and the Rams offense should be able to outscore the Saints in what is an important game for both clubs.
• Safid Deen: Rams 24, Saints 18 — It’s a shame the Rams are just 7-7, but their major players – Matt Stafford, Cooper Kupp, Kyren Williams and Puka Nucua – are finally healthy. The Rams will make the playoffs if they can stay that way and should beat the Saints at home on Thursday night.
• Victoria Hernandez: Rams 24, Saints 19 — The Saints were impressive last week with a three-touchdown performance from Derek Carr. But the Rams, boosted by back-to-back 100-yard games from Cooper Kupp, are playing strong as they clamor for a playoff spot and should notch this home win.
• Jordan Mendoza: Rams 20, Saints 17 — This is going to be one of the better matchups of the week, as the Saints' defense has made life tough for offenses while the Rams' offense has been clicking in recent weeks. It won't be as big of a performance, but Los Angeles has too many weapons at its disposal to be limited, as the Rams win another win and keep their playoff spot.

Saints vs. Rams inactives: Chris Olave in, Ryan Ramczyk out for New Orleans

Wide receiver Chris Olave (ankle) is active after missing the Saints' Week 15 win over the Giants. Olave — who is 82 yards away from posting a second consecutive 1,00-yard receiving season — was updated to full practice participant on Wednesday after missing Monday's practice and being limited on Tuesday. However, the Saints will be without offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk (knee). The 2019 All-Pro will miss a second straight game and third game this season.

Saints' inactive players:

• CB Cameron Dantzler Sr.
• QB Jake Haener
• DE Isaiah Foskey
• RB Kendre Miller
• OT Ryan Ramczyk
• LB Monty Rice

Rams' inactive players:

• DB Tre Tomlinson
• RB Zach Evans
• LB Ochaun Mathis
• OL Warren McClendon Jr.
• DE Desjuan Johnson

NFL Week 16 picks, predictions and odds

• Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers
• Buffalo Bills at Los Angeles Chargers
• Indianapolis Colts at Atlanta Falcons
• Green Bay Packers at Carolina Panthers
• Cleveland Browns at Houston Texans
• Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings
• Washington Commanders at New York Jets
• Seattle Seahawks at Tennessee Titans
• Jacksonville Jaguars at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Arizona Cardinals at Chicago Bears
• Dallas Cowboys at Miami Dolphins
• New England Patriots at Denver Broncos
• Las Vegas Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs
• New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles
• Baltimore Ravens at San Francisco 49ers

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