Expect the Saints to mount a strong finish

Sky Sports Action, 9.25pm Sunday

The Los Angeles Rams have been the darlings of the NFL this season after turning themselves around from winning only four matches last term into NFC West challengers, but they face a huge test of their credentials.

The Rams had claimed four straight wins by an average of 23 points but a 24-7 defeat to Minnesota last week brought them back down to earth and they face another team this week who have their own lofty ambitions.

The Saints have won their last eight matches and demonstrated that they are able to scrap as well as they fought back late on against Washington before claiming an overtime success last week.

These two stand second and third in the points-scored rankings so it is no surprise to see the points line as high as 54.

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New Orleans have always had a chance of winning matches under the direction of veteran quarterback Drew Brees, but their defence has improved greatly this term.

The loss of excellent rookie cornerback Marshon Lattimore is a blow, but it should be offset by the unavailability of Rams receiver Robert Woods, which should enable former Buffalo wideout Sammy Watkins to be heavily involved.

These look two evenly-matched teams and it is worth taking a chance on the Saints finishing the game in a stronger manner.

The Saints average 8.8 fourth-quarter points, which is the fifth highest number in the league, while the Rams have tended to do their work earlier in matches.

The Rams' final-period average of 4.4 is the sixth-lowest in the NFL and as new Orleans have won the fourth quarter in six of their ten matches, it is worth taking a chance that Sean Payton's side can do so again.

Recommendation
New Orleans to win fourth quarter
1pt 13-10 Hills

The lowdown
Venue LA Coliseum, Los Angeles, California
Surface Grass
Weather Cloudy, 23C
Vegas handicap New Orleans +2.5
Vegas points line 53.5

Team news
New Orleans
Rookie cornerback Marshon Lattimore has been ruled out with an ankle injury.
Los Angeles Rams
Wide receiver Robert Woods has been ruled out with a shoulder injury. Linebacker Bryce Hager and running back Lance Dunbar are questionable, while cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman is doubtful with a thigh injury.

Key stat
New Orleans have covered the handicap in six of their last seven away matches

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