NFL wild card picks: Experts slightly favoring Lions over Rams…

NFL wild-card picks: Experts slightly favoring Lions over Rams on Sunday

[theramswire.usatoday.com]

Cameron DaSilva



The Los Angeles Rams exceeded expectations by even getting to the playoffs, but they have their work cut out for them in the first round against a 12-5 Detroit Lions team that’s playing its first home playoff game in 30 years. It’s expected to be a close battle, but the Lions are predictably favored as the home team, giving three points on the spread.

Oddsmakers are giving the Lions the edge, as are NFL experts. According to Tallysight, 57% of experts are taking the Lions to win outright on Sunday night, leaving only 43% picking the Rams. With Los Angeles getting three points from the Lions, more experts are leaning the Rams’ way when picking against the spread: 62% are taking the Rams to cover.

The over/under is set at 51.5 points, the highest of Wild Card Weekend, but 61% are still taking the over in what’s expected to be a high-scoring affair.

The Lions were 12-5 against the spread this season, best in the NFL, and the Rams ranked sixth with a record of 10-6-1 against the spread. The over was 9-8 in the Rams’ 17 regular-season contests and 11-6 for the Lions.