Week 7 features a crucial inter-conference clash at Allegiant Stadium as the Los Angeles Rams go up against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Both teams are under pressure for different reasons with the Rams desperately in need of a victory to keep their fading playoff hopes alive, while the Raiders are looking to halt a three-game losing streak.
Los Angeles are now at 2-4 for the season after a disappointing 18-16 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, a game in which they struggled to convert offensive opportunities into points.
The Raiders, meanwhile, are 3-3 but have been far more competitive than their record suggests. Two of their three losses have come by a field goal or less, including last week's narrow 33-30 defeat to the Buffalo Bills.
Quarterback Kirk Cousins has provided stability under centre, while star tight end Brock Bowers is developing into one of the league's most dangerous offensive weapons.
The spread has moved significantly toward Las Vegas throughout the week as injuries continue to pile up for the Rams.
Davante Adams was placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury while fellow wide receiver Puka Nacua missed practice on Friday with a troublesome calf issue.
The Rams won't just be shorthanded on offensive playmakers either as leading tackler Nate Landman has been ruled out for Sunday's game and top cornerback Trent McDuffie is questionable.
Rams vs. Raiders Betting Picks & Predictions
Raiders +3.5 (-119)
Despite being at home and owning a better record, the Raiders remain underdogs, which creates an interesting betting opportunity.
While the Rams are favored by more than a field goal, recent performances suggest this game should be much closer to a pick'em.
Los Angeles have struggled to establish any consistency and failed to cover expectations against Arizona despite facing one of the league's weaker defensive units.
There could be some protection issues for Matthew Stafford as right tackle Warren McClendon Jr. is expected to spend much of the afternoon dealing with superstar edge rusher Maxx Crosby.
If Crosby consistently disrupts Stafford, the Rams' passing attack could stall — even more so if Nacua joins Adams on the sidelines.
With the Raiders 5-1 against the spread this season and consistently playing competitive football, taking the points is the strongest position available.
Brock Bowers Anytime Touchdown (+105)
Bowers has quickly become one of Cousins' favourite targets and presents a difficult matchup for any defense.
The tight end has recorded 382 receiving yards and three touchdowns through six games while regularly creating explosive plays after the catch.
The Raiders will almost certainly look to exploit Los Angeles' struggles tackling in space, as the Rams have allowed more yards after the catch than any team in the league.
Although Los Angeles has generally performed well against tight ends, Bowers represents a different challenge. His size, athleticism and route-running ability make him a consistent red-zone threat.
Given his growing role and current form, backing Bowers to find the end zone offers excellent value.
Kyren Williams 70+ Rushing Yards (-120)
The Rams know Stafford cannot throw 40-plus times if they want to leave Las Vegas with a victory.
That means a heavy workload for Kyren Williams, who remains the focal point of the Los Angeles ground game.
Williams has rushed for 393 yards and four touchdowns this season while adding another 217 receiving yards.
He has accumulated at least 70 rushing yards in three of his last five games and still averages a healthy 4.9 yards per carry.
The Raiders have defended the pass worse than the run throughout the season, but the Rams may still choose a balanced game plan designed to slow Crosby's impact and keep their defense off the field.
If Los Angeles remains competitive throughout the game, Williams should receive enough carries to eclipse this number.
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Rams vs. Raiders odds
LA Rams | -174 |
LV Raiders | +147 |
Spread | LA Rams -3.5 |
Total | O/U 48.5 |
Rams vs. Raiders player props
Anytime touchdown
Kyren Williams (LA Rams) | -160 |
Ashton Jeanty (LV Raiders) | -135 |
Puka Nakua (LA Rams | -105 |
Brock Bowers (LV Raiders) | +105 |
Blake Corum (LA Rams) | +170 |
Tyler Higbee (LA Rams) | +200 |
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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.
