The Seahawks have thrived on defeating mediocre teams in tough situations this season. The Rams, when healthy, do not fall into that category. With Pukka Nacua expected to play, Matthew Stafford will have his top three receivers; that will not be the case for Geno Smith with DK Metcalf out. Los Angeles is probably a tad overvalued in this spot coming off beating Minnesota last week, but Seattle has been given the benefit of the doubt all season. In what is essentially a pick ‘em game, I’ll take the better coach and healthier team despite the road spot. Seattle is actually 1-4 straight up and ATS at home this season.

The Rams season looked bleak just a few weeks ago, but all of a sudden they have a chance to compete for the division. These teams seem to be headed in opposite directions. L.A is getting healthier and starting to click with their star WR tandem back, while Seattle remains without WR D.K Metcalf, TE Noah Fant, and Tackle Abraham Lucas. Without these pieces, I see Seattle's offense struggling again this week. The Rams have shored up some of their defensive woes, and continue to generate good QB pressure. On defense, the Seahawks remain without key edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu, along with Safety Rayshawn Jenkins and CB Artie Burns. Seattle's bye is next week, and it can't come soon enough.

That wasn't what Seattle had in mind when hiring HC Mike Macdonald last winter. We're talking about the ugly 31-10 loss to the Bills last week, when mistakes carried over to on-field bickering and sideline scuffling. After breaking a three-game skid the week before in Atlanta, this seemed real regression for the Seahawks. Meanwhile, because the Hawks and 49ers have struggled, the Rams (and Cardinals, it should be noted) have taken advantage, and two straight wins have put LA back in the NFC West race. The returns of Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua (should be ready) to Matthew Stafford's arsenal proved critical in last Thursday's win over the Vikings. Note the Rams have also covered the last seven meetings. Play Rams on ML

Rams WR Puka Nacua hurt his knee in practice Thursday. Coach Sean McVay is banking on him playing. What is certain: premier Seattle WR DK Metcalf is out, a major blow. In four setbacks over their last five games, the Seahawks have registered between nine and 21 points. They will be lucky to break out above those boundaries. If Nacua plays, QB Matthew Stafford will be pleased. His numbers are off the charts with Nacua and Cooper Kupp to throw to -- and pedestrian without at least one of them. RB Kyren Williams, second in the NFL with 10 TDs, rounds out a diverse offense. The Rams have rung up two wins after their bye while Seattle is staggering toward its off week.

It was pretty obvious last Thursday that Nacua is far and away the best target option on the Rams and that he was fully back from injury and a nightmare to have to cover. The separation and YAC was elite again. Matt Stafford loves throwing to him (9 targets). Nacua is easily over this in both career games against Seattle and he sailed over this vs Mike Macdonald's vaunted Ravens D in BAL last year (5 grabs for 84 yards). Seattle has serious issues on defense and Stafford attempted at least 37 passes in two games against them last year. Sounds appetizing to me. Nacua averages 86 receiving yards per game and I don't think Seattle can suffocate him, given the diversity of LA offense.

Hope this spread grows and I'll grab Rams on ML when more value emerges. Rams are on extra rest and getting healthy and went on second half tear last year. They can do it again. Sean McVay is 7-2-1 ATS last 10 vs NFCW, 9-5 ATS vs SEA and 5-2 ATS at Seattle. His offense carved up Mike McDonald's historic Ravens D last year in Baltimore and can shred a far lesser version of it here. McVay 15-7 ATS on road in NFCW. Seattle 1-5 ATS and covered just once in 5 home games. Rams young DL is eating and Seattle lacks dogs up front to rattle Matthew Stafford. Hawks run game has sputtered. Rams still alive to win this division; will bring energy.