New England at LA Rams: NFL Week 14 prediction, betting preview, free tips & TV

Free NFL picks, best bets and analysis for New England Patriots at Los Angeles Rams in Week 14 of the 2020 NFL season.

New England Patriots at Los Angeles Rams

Where to watch

Sky Sports NFL & Main Event, 1.20am Thursday night

Best bet

New England +5.5
2pts 10-11 Betfair, Paddy Power

Match preview

There is no room for slip-ups if New England are to continue their run of successive playoff appearances stretching back to 2008, but they can at least stay in touch with the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night.

The Patriots are two games out of the playoff picture but four wins in their last five games are cause for optimism, even if Bill Belichick's team will probably have to win all four of their remaining fixtures to have a chance.

Confidence should be high after a 45-0 win over the LA Chargers on Sunday and New England have stayed in Tinseltown in an effort to lessen the effect of the short week, but their impressive performances on defence and specials teams bode well.

The Rams have the best pass defence in the league but that could play into Patriots' hands.

Quarterback Cam Newton has not impressed through the air - he threw for just 84 yards in the win over the Chargers - but he provides a great option on the ground, so expect the rushing game to be their offensive focus.

Their hosts have won eight of their 12 games and are locked in a fierce battle for the NFC West with Seattle after gaining a key divisional victory over Arizona on Sunday.

That success could have been more comprehensive than the 38-28 scoreline suggests, but the Rams average just 15 points per game on their own patch.

Belichick masterminded a great defensive performance to beat the Rams 13-3 in the Super Bowl two seasons ago and though his roster is greatly changed since then there is a decent chance he can come out on top again.

Key stats

• New England have covered the handicap in six of their last seven matches against the Rams.
• Seven of the Rams' last nine games have gone under the total-points line.
• The Patriots have won nine of their last 11 fixtures against NFC teams.

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