[NJRAMFAN1]

Per Profootball.com:

The PointsBet win totals for NFC West teams has a tie at the top. And not between the teams that finished atop the division in 2020.

The Rams and 49ers both have over-under numbers of 10.5, in a 17-game season.

It’s surprising on the surface. The Rams won 10 games in 2020 with Jared Goff at quarterback. The Rams by all appearances will be better in 2021, especially with Matthew Stafford replacing Goff.

The 49ers are in the midst of figuring out their post-Jimmy existence. Will he be the quarterback in 2021, or will the starter be the third overall pick in the draft? After a disappointing 6-10 season in 2020, is there reason to think they’ll win at least five more games in 2021?

One reason to put the two teams at the same win total is this: The 17-game formula now entails three games that will vary based on placement in the division from the prior year. The Rams finished second in the NFC West, and the 49ers finished fourth. Where the Rams play the Giants, Buccaneers, and Ravens, the 49ers instead face the Eagles, Falcons, and Bengals.

For the Rams, it’s actually worse to have finished second than first, given that Seattle’s three corresponding games come against Washington, New Orleans, and Pittsburgh. Those three games could be regarded as, overall, easier than Giants, Bucs, Ravens.

The Seahawks still have a win projection of only nine, a surprising drop, given last year’s 12-4 finish. Maybe it’s premised in part on the possibility that Russell Wilson will be traded, which could spark a free fall in 2021. Or maybe the oddsmakers don’t believe in new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron.

The Cardinals, a team that went 8-8 a year ago, have the lowest total in the division, with eight. This shows that the betting markets aren’t impressed with the upgrades the team has made, via the addition of J.J. Watt, A.J. Green, and Rodney Hudson. (The Cardinals also have lost Patrick Peterson, Haason Reddick, and perhaps Larry Fitzgerald.)

Again, I don’t bet. To me, the best bet for the NFC West as of right now seems to be the Rams, over 10.5.

[Elvis]

McVay has gone over 3/4 years if i remember right. Niners sure are getting a lot of love. Lions bringing up the rear at 5 with only Texans worse.

Here are some early 2021 totals for every team:

Team Win Total Over/Under
Chiefs 12 -110/-110
Buccaneers 11.5 -110/-110
Ravens 11 -125/+103
Bills 10.5 -110/-110
Packers 10.5 -143/+118
Rams 10.5 +123/-150
49ers 10.5 +123/-150
Colts 10 +110/134
Browns 9.5 -150/+123
Cowboys 9.5 +110/134
Titans 9.5 +123/-150
Seahawks 9.5 -110/-110
Chargers 9 +103/-125
Dolphins 9 -121/+100
Patriots 9 -143/+118
Saints 9 -110/-110
Steelers 8.5 -125/+103
Vikings 8.5 +123/-150
Cardinals 8 -110/-110
Washington 8 -110/-110
Broncos 7.5 -110/-110
Panthers 7.5 -110/-110
Raiders 7.5 -110/-110
Bears 7 -121/+100
Giants 7 -110/-110
Falcons 7 -143/+118
Bengals 6.5 -110/-110
Eagles 6.5 -150/+123
Jaguars 6.5 -110/-110
Jets 6.5 +123/-150
Lions 5 -110/-110
Texans 4.5 -110/-110

[majik]

All over that under for the Whiners

[Hacksaw]

They must like a rookie qb over G-spot. Or they are counting on a couple 9er wins over the Rams.

[HopHead Ram]

These numbers will surely shift as the draft and remaining FA plays out. Methinks the Rams over 10.5 is a pretty safe bet and may tick up the closer we get to August. Might be smart to lock that over in at 10.5.

[Hacksaw]

Is a 10.5 win team sure to make the playoffs in a 17 game season?

[snackdaddy]

Is a 10.5 win team sure to make the playoffs in a 17 game season?

Would be a little harder. Last season they added a spot. Are they back to the 6 team format for 2021?

[HopHead Ram]

Placement of the bye will be even more important with the longer season. Am I correct in that there is still only a single bye week or did they negotiate for a second bye week? I know at one time that was mentioned as a possibility but really didn't pay attention to the details of the added game other than who we are playing.

[Elvis]

Yes only 1 bye week.

The playoffs will be the same as last year: 3 wild card teams per conference...

[actionjack]

Many are expecting a niner return. I expect the defense to be better, but those were some bad injuries, who knows if they will come back the same.

Personally I will take Stafford over the niners rookie QB whomever it is....