The Los Angeles Rams have secured a wild card spot, while the Atlanta Falcons are out of playoff contention, finalizing their postseason outcomes. Despite this, the Monday Night Football matchup between the Rams and Falcons in Atlanta still holds huge significance for fantasy football enthusiasts. Week 17 is often the championship round for fantasy football leagues, where titles are decided, with key players like Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua, Kyren Williams (all from the Rams), and Atlanta’s Bijan Robinson and Kyle Pitts set to either delight or disappoint their fantasy team owners.
Stafford, Nacua, and Williams are part of the NFL’s highest-scoring offense, averaging 30.5 points per game. Robinson ranks fifth in rushing yards with 1,250, and Pitts is second among tight ends in total receiving yards with 854. The Rams enter the game as 7.5-point favorites.
While the Rams vs. Falcons game is Monday’s main event, there is plenty more action including 11 NBA games. Here’s a breakdown of what to watch and wager on Monday, December 29th, always reflecting Eastern Time.
NFL Viewing Details for Rams at Falcons:
- Time: 8:15 p.m.
- Location: Atlanta
- TV: ESPN
- Streaming: Fubo (free trial)
- SportsLine Model Picks: Falcons +288 | Expert RJ White suggests Falcons +8.5
Robinson is having a standout season for the Falcons, setting franchise records for receiving yards by a running back (776) and aiming for the scrimmage yards record set in 1981. However, with the Rams out of division title contention, coach Sean McVay may rest key players or limit playing time for starters. The SportsLine model simulates the game 10,000 times, giving Atlanta a 31% chance to cover the spread and rating the Falcons’ money line a solid B.
More NFL Picks
NBA Highlights:
Cavaliers vs. Spurs
- Time: 8 p.m.
- Location: San Antonio
- TV: NBC/Peacock
- Streaming: Fubo (free trial)
- SportsLine Picks: Spurs -3 | Expert Mike Varner suggests Stephon Castle over 6.5 assists
De’Aaron Fox is questionable with an adductor strain. Despite this, the Spurs remain strong on both offense and defense and hold a 54% chance to cover the spread, with a C-rated pick. Stephon Castle has a high assist rate recently, and this game’s pace favors him hitting the over.
Mavericks vs. Trail Blazers
- Time: 10:30 p.m.
- Location: Portland
- TV: NBC/Peacock
- Streaming: Fubo (free trial)
- SportsLine Picks: Trail Blazers -143
Portland hosts Dallas, where the Mavericks have struggled without key player Anthony Davis, who is questionable for this game. Portland, fresh off a win against the Celtics, has a 69% chance to win with an A-rated pick.
Looking Ahead: Independence Bowl
- Coastal Carolina vs. Louisiana Tech
- Time: Tuesday 2 p.m.
- Location: Shreveport, Louisiana
- TV: ESPN
- Streaming: Fubo (free trial)
- SportsLine Picks: Coastal Carolina +9.5
Coastal Carolina is in transition following coaching changes. Defensive struggles persist, but the interim coach Jeremiah Johnson knows Louisiana Tech well as he was their defensive coordinator last year. The model gives Coastal Carolina a 66% chance to cover the spread with a B rating.
Fan Take: Basketball fans should keep an eye on Monday’s NBA matchups because key player performances and coaching strategies could shift the playoff landscape. These games not only impact team momentum but also highlight rising stars who might shape the future of the sport.
