Views from 400’s Week 16 Thursday Night Football Roundtable

The best time of the year is upon us. Christmas is right around the corner and that can only mean one thing, the Saints and the Rams are about to face off in a virtual playoff game on Thursday Night Football.

Both of these squads enter at 7-7 and enter with the same mediocre energy that your drunk uncle brings to Christmas. Unlike said uncle, these franchises somehow have the chance to do something great after lackluster seasons.

The Rams suddenly look like an offensive juggernaut, while New Orleans has played fantastic defense all year long and is a Derek Carr concussion away from having an electric offense led by Jameis Winston.

This showdown should be close enough to keep Al Michaels awake, but who has the edge?

Read below for our best bets, predictions, and analysis ahead of this win-or-go-home game.

SHOW ME THE WAY

The Saints have a chance to take over the NFC South this week with Atlanta and Tampa Bay faced with tough matchups. Even with a loss, the door could stay open for New Orleans to make the postseason. Do they get in?

BH: The Falcons are toast. That team has so many issues that I could go on about forever. I think the Saints beat the Falcons at home in the final week of the season and the Bucs take care of the Panthers. That makes the Week 17 showdown between the Bucs and Saints a virtual playoff game for the NFC South. Considering the game is in Tampa, I’m gonna ride with Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers.

MK: I think the Saints are the best team in the NFC South. The defense and offensive weapons make them a dangerous team nobody will want to play in a road Wildcard Round game.

JA: No, Baker Mayfield and the Bucs are winning the NFC South. I completely agree with Brian. This division is going to come down to the Week 17 game between New Orleans and Tampa Bay. I like the Bucs with the game in Tampa.

Xxpolosive

The Rams are in a similar spot as the Saints, although they can’t win the division. Does Los Angeles sneak into a wildcard spot in the NFC?

BH: The Rams need to win this game. If they do, they get in. If not, it’s going to be really tough. Sean McVay’s team should beat the Giants in Week 16, but a road game against the NFC-best 49ers awaits in Week 17. Maybe 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan opts to sit his starters, but I’m not counting on that. Tonight is a must-win for Los Angeles.

MK: The winner of tonight’s game is going to make the playoffs. I know I said I liked the Saints, but it’s hard not to like the red-hot Rams as well. I do think Los Angeles finds a way to get in regardless, but a win tonight would seal it in my opinion.

JA: Kyren Williams is being utilized like Todd Gurley and it’s beautiful. Los Angeles has an elite offense that will carry them to the postseason.

PRIDE

Puka Nacua needs 18 receptions over his final three games to break the rookie reception record (104) set by Miami Dolphins receiver Jaylen Waddle. Can the BYU fifth-round pick do it?

BH: Puka is not only going to set the reception record, but he’s going to set the rookie receiving record as well. The rookie needs 311 more yards over the final three games to do it. He may get all of that against my Giants next week.

MK: As my favorite Phillie Bryce Harper once famously said; That’s a clown question bro. He is easily breaking this record. Matt Stafford feeds this man and Sean McVay has a history of helping his players attain records and contract incentives.

JA: Nacua can and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford dial up some screen passes or easy catches for him. If I were to bet on it, I’d take the under-18 receptions though. Sorry.

Hustler Musik

Best bet tonight boys?

BH: Alvin Kamara seems to always come alive in the month of December. He’s done that again this year, and the Saints are going to need to rely on him tonight against a very good Rams offense. Give me Kamara to go over his all-purpose yard total of 86.5 tonight.

MK: I’ll give you three because I love this game that much. Matt Stafford is throwing more than 1.5 passing touchdowns, Alvin Kamara is soaring over 31.5 receiving yards, and Cooper Kupp is finding the end zone.

JA: I’m feeling Matt’s energy. Here’s a little parlay for you. Chris Olave is going to reach 60 receiving yards. I don’t care who is throwing the ball to him, he’s the best playmaker they have as a receiver and Carr is going to find ways to get him the ball. I’ll be parlaying Olave’s total with Cooper Kupp over 70 receiving yards. Kupp is that dude and the Rams are going to have to throw against a solid Saints’ run defense.

Final Score

BH: Los Angeles is the better team. They get it done tonight 26-21.

MK: The Rams are making the playoffs. Stafford gets it done tonight, 27-23.

JA: Looks like we have ourselves a sweep here boys, Rams 27-22.