Rams vs. Seahawks Predictions: Will Matthew Stafford Clinch MVP Race Tonight on TNF?

Week 16 NFL action kicks off tonight as the Seattle Seahawks host the Los Angeles Rams in a clash of the NFC West squads tied with 11-3 records. My Rams vs. Seahawks prediction backs Mike Macdonald's squad, and not just because of the Rams' struggles in traveling to Seattle. Kickoff from Lumen Field in Seattle is at 8:15 p.m. ET (Prime Video).

The Seahawks are now a 1.5-point home betting favorite after opening as a 1.5-point underdog. I was backing Seattle at +1.5 before the latest developments, and my position hasn't changed. My NFL Week 16 predictions are looking for Seattle's defense to provide MVP odds favorite Matthew Stafford with his biggest challenge of the season.

🏈 Rams vs. Seahawks prediction

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Seahawks -1.5 (-110) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Stafford endured his worst outing in terms of passing yards at home against the Seahawks in Week 11, finishing with just 130. While the Rams held on for a 21-19 win, it wasn't pretty. Stafford and his offense struggled in the second half, scoring one touchdown, fumbling once, and punting five times.

Their only TD came from a Sam Darnold interception, who, by the way, threw four interceptions. Our Esten McLaren highlights a potential target for a Darnold TD pass tonight with his Rams vs. Seahawks anytime touchdown scorer predictions.

If Darnold takes better care of the ball and the Seahawks defense can even partially emulate that second-half performance, the visitors will be in trouble. At FanDuel or DraftKings, you'll pocket $8.20 if Seattle makes it happen.

Score prediction: Seahawks 23, Rams 20 

🙌 Best Rams vs. Seahawks TD pick

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Kyren Williams, RB, Rams: TD Pick (+110) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Stafford will be without Adams, his primary red zone target, so Williams should be in for a heavy workload, particularly if the wind picks up. He has at least one TD in three straight games and punched it in twice last week against the Lions. 

Williams has seven TDs in the previous seven games and hit pay dirt against Seattle in Week 11. And if you're looking for more action on the Rams running back, our Rams vs. Seahawks player prop bets and first touchdown scorers might (definitely) have something of interest.

🏆 Will Matthew Stafford put MVP odds race beyond doubt?  

In short, no. 

If you haven't already backed Stafford for MVP and still intend to, hold fire. He is the clear MVP odds favorite across the best sports betting sites, receiving -260 odds at FanDuel, and rightly so.

However, he's in for a challenging evening. Not only will he be without Adams, who aggravated his hamstring in the Week 15 win over the Detroit Lions, but he's up against a Seahawks team with the second-best defensive DVOA. 

And did I mention the rain and windy conditions he will likely face, with gusts of 32 mph expected? We break that down in full detail in our Rams vs. Seahawks weather report.

I recommend waiting to see how Stafford navigates this tricky encounter. If he doesn't pass with flying colors, you might see his MVP odds lengthen, even if only marginally. That will offer the best moment to take advantage, and I break down the scenarios in my look at whether anyone can overtake the Rams QB in the MVP odds race.

✈️ Will Rams' travel issues negatively impact TNF performance

An equipment issue on the original flight disrupted the team's travel plans. Players boarded a flight about two hours after the initially scheduled departure time.

While players are creatures of habit who rely on routine, I can't see the minor issue negatively impacting their game preparations. It's subjective, though, as some might have been affected mentally, potentially even physically, due to missed strict timelines. 

That said, it should be seen as a minor blip and not overblown. These are grown men flying in the comfort of first class. What's a few hours in the grand scheme of things? 

📊 Live Rams vs. Seahawks odds

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📈 Rams vs. Seahawks betting trends

🚑 Rams vs. Seahawks injury report

🌤️ Rams vs. Seahawks weather

Wet and windy sounds right for Seattle. Wind gusts up to 32 mph are expected, with 60% chance of precipitation. While the rain might be sparse, the wind could disrupt the flow of both offenses. 

Check our NFL weather report for the latest forecasts and betting impacts for every game this week.

📺 How to watch Thursday Night Football: Rams vs. Seahawks

• Date: Thursday, Dec. 18
• Kickoff: 8:15 p.m. ET
• Location: Lumen Field (Seattle)
• TV: Prime Video

💡 Monday Night Football expert picks

• Rams vs. Seahawks prediction
• Rams vs. Seahawks player props
• Rams vs. Seahawks anytime touchdown scorer predictions
• Rams vs. Seahawks first touchdown scorer predictions
• Rams vs. Seahawks same-game parlay
• Matthew Stafford player prop bets
• Sam Darnold player prop bets
• Konata Mumpfield player prop bets
• Davante Adams injury update
• Rams vs. Seahawks betting insights
• Rams vs. Seahawks weather report
• Rams vs. Seahawks expert picks