George Kittle has stepped up down the stretch for San Francisco’s depleted offense, and we expect the superstar tight end tо exploit Los Angeles’ zone scheme.
Thursday Night Football comes tо the left side оf the country for an NFC West war between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers.
Primetime means it’s “shine time” for San Francisco tight end George Kittle, who doesn’t wither under the Thursday night lights. My Rams vs. 49ers predictions like him tо play a big role іn this vital divisional dance.
Here are my best NFL picks for this West Coast showdown on December 12.
Rams Vs 49ers TNF Prediction
My best bet
George Kittle Over 4.5 receptions (+112 at FanDuel)
My analysis
It’s a primetime game for the San Francisco 49ers, which means George Kittle is coming to play. The CEO of Tight End Inc. routinely shines on the big stage and will be going all out in this key NFC West matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.
San Francisco has counted on Kittle to step up in the receiving corps since WR Brandon Aiyuk went down with a season-ending injury, and he’s done exactly that.
Kittle has gone for 512 total yards in his last six games, catching 28 passes on 32 targets. That includes a monster game in Week 14 in which the tight end snatched all six passes his way for 151 yards through the air.
He’s grabbed six receptions in four of those six outings and has had at least five catches in seven of his 10 appearances in 2024. Kittle now sizes up a Los Angeles defense that has watched rival TEs rack up the grabs in recent weeks.
The Rams allowed both of New Orleans’ tight ends to catch five balls in Week 13, surrendered five receptions to New England TE Hunter Henry, and got rolled by Raiders rookie TE Brock Bowers for 10 catches and 93 yards in Week 7.
Los Angeles’ defense runs one of the highest rates of zone coverage in the NFL, which favors San Francisco QB Brock Purdy. He sees a significant upswing against the zone, with his completion percentage soaring and his passer rating of 122.9 versus zone leading all NFL QBs.
And wouldn’t you know it, Kittle also loves exploiting the space of zone schemes as well. He’s the No. 1 tight end in the league against zone according to his PFF-qualified stats, with almost 61% of his total receptions coming against that scheme.
Player projections for Thursday Night Football set the table for a big night from Kittle, with many models calling for five catches from the San Francisco star and more than 65 yards receiving.
My number comes out to 4.8 receptions, which should have the Over 4.5 catches priced at -118. However, FanDuel is paying plus money on this prop, giving great value considering Kittle’s primetime performances and ability to exploit this Rams defense.
Rams Vs 49ers TNF Same-Game Parlay
- George Kittle 5+ receptions
- George 60+ receiving yards
- Brock Purdy 2+ passing touchdowns
+290 at FanDuel
Kittle is forecast for at least five catches and has put up six receptions in three of his last five outings.
Projections all sit north of 60 yards for the 49ers tight end, with a ceiling closer to 67 yards. He’s the best TE vs. zone and faces a zone-heavy scheme from the Rams.
Purdy also loves playing against zone coverage and will connect for at least two TD passes against a bad L.A. defense.
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