Los Angeles Rams at San Francisco 49ers: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL Week 18 game – USA TODAY

The Los Angeles Rams (9-7) and the San Francisco 49ers (12-4) both have their playoff ticket punched heading into the regular season finale.
The Rams march into Levi’s Stadium riding a three-game win streak. Last week, they beat the New York Giants 26-25 behind three rushing touchdowns from Kyren Williams. Matthew Stafford threw two interceptions after not throwing a pick for four straight games.
The 49ers were the first team in the league to lock up a playoff spot this season back in Week 14. Brock Purdy has been playing through a stinger injury and Christian McCaffrey won’t play in this matchup due to a mild calf strain. The running back leads the league in rushing yards.
San Francisco won the Week 2 matchup against the Rams 30-23. McCaffrey had 116 rushing yards and Rams rookie wideout Puka Nacua had 147 receiving yards.
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The 49ers are favorites to defeat the Rams, according to BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2023, including the new ESPN BET app and the Fanatics Sportsbook promo code.
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NFL power rankings Week 18:Cowboys, Lions virtually tied after controversial finish
Cardinals vs. Seahawks | Ravens vs. Steelers | Panthers vs. Buccaneers | Bengals vs. Browns | Lions vs. Vikings | Packers vs. Bears | Colts vs. Texans | Chargers vs. Chiefs | Raiders vs. Broncos | Dolphins vs. Bills | Patriots vs. Jets | Saints vs. Falcons | Giants vs. Eagles | 49ers vs. Rams | Titans vs. Jaguars | Commanders vs. Cowboys
The Niners have the No. 1 seed locked up and the Rams will likely want to avoid dropping to the No. 7 seed in the NFC, with that spot likely having to face the Cowboys in the wild-card round of the playoffs. The Rams have plenty on the line here and should respond against a team that will likely rest starters.
The 49ers have won nine consecutive regular-season games against the Rams. But the 49ers will likely sit multiple starters with the NFC’s No. 1 seed already locked up. San Francisco knows all too well about season-derailing injuries. They’ll be conservative in this NFC West battle.
Both teams have clinched the playoffs, but I’m sure Matthew Stafford would love to play a playoff game in his old stomping grounds of Detroit instead of going to Dallas. The Rams should have enough offense, while the 49ers should ensure their starters leave this game unscathed for a Super Bowl run. 
The 49ers should use this game to rest and make sure Brock Purdy and Christian McCaffrey are A1 for the playoffs. The Rams have some good momentum and will use this matchup to boost their playoff positioning.
San Francisco has wrapped up the No. 1 seed, so it could take it easy when the Rams come to the Bay Area. Los Angeles would like to hold onto the No. 6 seed, and they play with a bit more fire to lock up that positioning in the standings. 
You can view the full list of USA TODAY’s NFL expert predictions here.
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