The Denver Broncos and the Los Angeles Rams both bagged their first victories of the NFL season last week and it looks as if there could be little to choose between them when they provide the entertainment in Sunday Night Football.
The Rams will hope quarterback Matthew Stafford can drive them to victory, but LA’s offence could again be weakened by the likely absence of wide receiver Puka Nacua, while their opponents will hope their injury issues at running back will be behind them.
Denver Broncos v Los Angeles Rams Tips Summary
Best Bet - Under 43.5 points @ 20/21
Alternative Bet - Davante Adams to score a touchdown @ 11/10
Bet Builder - Blake Corum over rushing 45.5 yards, over 3.5 field goals and Jaylen Waddle to have six or more receptions @ 25/4
Denver Broncos v Los Angeles Rams Prediction
Best Bet: Under 43.5 points @ 20/21
This might be a clash that does not see a lot of points.
Denver have not scored more than 20 in six of their last seven NFL outings and there could be a fair chunk of the clock chewed up if their running backs JK Dobbins and RJ Harvey are not at full pace after injury issues this week.
Nacua’s injury could mean the Rams’ rushing pair of Kyren Williams and Blake Corum also have to put in a strong shift and if Davante Adams has a difficult day, it could turn into an attritional battle.
Alternative Bet: Davante Adams to score a touchdown @ 11/10
With the Rams keen to ensure Nacua is fully recovered from his injury, quarterback Matthew Stafford does not have a host of receiving options and it looks like being a great match-up between former Green Bay Packer Adams and Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain.
There will surely be occasions when both players enjoy supremacy in what could turn into a regular battle, but the amount of attention Adams is likely to get from Stafford means backing him to score a touchdown is an attractive bet, especially as he went over twice against the New York Giants last week.
Denver Broncos v Los Angeles Rams Bet Builder Tip
Blake Corum over rushing 45.5 yards
Over 3.5 field goals
Jaylen Waddle to have six or more receptions
Pays 25/4
Rams running back Blake Corum could be utilised extensively once again after gaining 54 and 79 yards in his two appearances so far this season.
With Stafford without one of his main receiving options in Nacua, more than 45 rushing yards for Corum looks realistic.
There could be plenty of ball on the ground and the fact Denver have converted just six of their 23 third-down attempts and the Rams seven of their 18, the kickers could have a big role to play and it is worth backing more than three field goals, especially with the altitude being a factor at Mile High.
Broncos receiver Jaylen Waddle had eight catches for 138 yards in the win over the Jaguars last week and he could be used to a similar degree after that successful appearance, so expect him to have at least six receptions.
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Key Match Stats
- Denver have won their last nine games against teams from the NFC
- The underdog has covered the spread in each of the last seven meetings
- The Rams have won their last five NFL matches against the Broncos
- Denver have scored more than 20 points in just one of their last seven games
- Five of the Broncos’ last six matches have gone under the total-points line
- The Rams have scored at least 24 points in eight of their last 10 outings
Tactics, Form and Team News
Denver’s rushing offence has been boosted by JK Dobbins recovering from the hip injury he picked up in the 20-13 win they posted against the Jacksonville Jaguars last week.
Fellow running back RJ Harvey should also be available after a hamstring problem, but number three rusher Jonah Coleman is out with an ankle issue and wide receiver Marvin Mims (foot) is questionable.
The Rams are sweating on wide receiver Nacua’s hip injury which kept him out of their 28-6 victory over the New York Giants on Monday.
Meanwhile, safety Kamren Kinchens is doubtful and tight end Colby Parkinson is questionable.
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
