NFL WEEK 14
GREG COTE’S THURSDAY PICK
PATRIOTS (6-6) at RAMS (8-4)
Line: LAR by 5.
Cote’s pick: NE 20-17.
TV: 8:20 p.m. Thursday, Fox/NFL.
These teams last met two Super Bowls ago in a rather stunning 13-3 New England win, and I would lean defense first and the under play once more. Pats aren’t the team they were, post-Tom Brady, but they are surging, on a 4-1 run that has them back in the AFC playoff chase, but with scant margin of error. Rams are safer in the postseason hunt and simply not as desperate here. New England stayed in L.A. after beating Chargers, 45-0, last week to mitigate the typical disadvantage road teams have playing Thursday nights. (Then again, Bill Belichick’s 10-1 streak on TNF suggests the early start isn’t much bother in any case). These are two strong defenses, but Rams have struggled this season to contain mobile quarterbacks such as Josh Allen and Kyler Murray, who serve to neutralize Aaron Donald’s impact. Now here comes Cam Newton, who has been a much bigger threat running than with his arm as his 11 rushing TDs proclaim. And you know Belichick is going to find some way to bother Jared Goff, right? Upset! (And, hey, even if it doesn’t happen outright, I’m loving a Pats cover plus-5).
