NFL Playoffs: Rams can secure Super Bowl homecoming

Having overcome the reigning champions Tampa Bay Buccaneers last weekend, the Los Angeles Rams have just the San Francisco 49ers between them and a home Super Bowl.

The Bucs became the first franchise in NFL history to win a Super Bowl in their own stadium last season, and the Rams are looking for an opportunity to repeat the feat at SoFi Stadium on February 13.

Stafford on a roll

Having failed to win any of his first three playoff games, quarterback Matthew Stafford has now secured back-to-back wins in the post-season against both the Arizona Cardinals (34-11) and the the Bucs (30-27).

Stafford helped the Rams storm into a 27-3 lead in the third quarter against Tampa Bay before a spirited comeback saw Tom Brady’s Bucs level the scores.

LA relied on a late kick from Matt Gay to book their place in the NFC Championship Game and the Rams will be determined to make sure a collapse like that doesn’t happen on Sunday against the 49ers.

Stafford and the Rams, who are at 31% in our market to win Super Bowl LVI, will be looking for revenge after a 27-24 defeat at the hands of San Fran in the final game of the regular season.

With Stafford now having the experience of winning playoff games under his belt, the former Detroit Lions QB looks capable of guiding the Rams to victory and covering -3.5 points on the spread at 2.06.

There are fitness concerns over 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo heading into the NFC Championship game

Garoppolo fitness a cause for concern

While San Fran worked wonders to overcome the Green Bay Packers on the road last time out, there are concerns regarding the fitness of their quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.

The former New England Patriots playmaker has been nursing a shoulder and thumb injury of late and his participation in practice has been limited at times.

While Garoppolo made the passes necessary on the final drive to overcome Green Bay with a 13-10 victory over in Wisconsin, it was far from a strong performance from the 30-year-old at Lambeau Field.

Garoppolo only managed 131 passing yards and threw one interception against a Packers side who were expected to win the Divisional clash on home soil.

If the 2.64 49ers are to have any chance of a win in Inglewood this weekend, they will need a much stronger performance from Garoppolo but whether those injuries will hold him back remains to be seen.

While plenty of points are expected to be in the offing in the AFC Championship Game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Cincinnati Bengals, the NFC Championship decider might be a cagier affair.

Our market has under 46.5 total points at 1.84 and that might be the way to go for this grudge match between two NFC West rivals.

Recommended Bets

Rams with -3.5 pts handicap at 2.06

Total points under 46.5 at 1.84