Sunday Night Football throws up another cracker this week as the Super Bowl favorites, the Los Angeles Rams, travel to Empower Field at Mile High to take on the Denver Broncos, with both teams having travelled similar paths to a 1-1 record.
The Rams whistlestop tour of Melbourne, Australia, backfired as they were outclassed 27-7 by NFC West rivals the San Francisco 49ers, but bounced back in commanding fashion with a 28-6 win over the New York Giants at SoFi Stadium on Monday night.
Whether the Giants losing starting QB Jaxson Dart to a season-ending injury early in that game was a crucial difference-maker is debatable, but it did allow reigning MVP Matthew Stafford to find his groove following his troubles against the Niners as he went 22 of 31 for 327 yards and four touchdowns, with just one interception.
The Broncos also endured a tough opener as they were battered by Kenneth Walker III and the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead. The Super Bowl MVP took the game away from Denver with two touchdowns after a career-high 173 yards from 23 carries, adding three catches for 18 yards, with the Chiefs restricting the Broncos to just three points in the final three quarters in a 31-10 win.
While not as convincing as the Rams as they were trailing going into the fourth quarter, Denver did bounce back at Mile High last week by overcoming the Jacksonville Jaguars 20-13. Backing that up against a team like the Rams could be key to their chances of improving on their AFC Championship defeat of last season.
Rams vs. Broncos Betting Picks & Predictions
Los Angeles Rams -2.5 (-105)
Both teams go into this game on the back of a win but the Rams look capable of backing up theirs in a statement road win to underline their status as Super Bowl favorites - a win which would be without defensive stud Myles Garrett, and most likely Puka Macua who has been struggling with a hip injury.
Still, there are options for Matthew Stafford and given how the Chiefs beat up the Broncos on the ground, the Rams can pose multi-dimensional problems for their hosts, who have not yet clicked into gear.
The Jaguars were leading at Mile High going into the fourth quarter in Week 2 and they don't have the weapons available to LA, so the Rams will not be travelling in fear to Denver.
Of course, the Broncos' defense can be special on its day but the Chiefs had little trouble moving the ball - albeit at home - and, like Bo Nix and co, is not operating as we know they can.
Stafford was able to fine-tune a few things in the one-sided win over the Giants and the Rams look worth siding with to cover less than a field goal and end the recent home dominance in this matchup.
Kyren Williams 60+ rushing yards (+145)
While Kyren Williams and Blake Corum might share the workload to a degree, 60 yards still looks well within reach of the former, and a very attractive price, considering what Kenneth Walker III did to the Broncos in week one.
Williams struggled down under against the Niners with 41 yards from 11 carries but, like his team, bounced back well against the Giants - admittedly inferior opposition - with 85 yards from 12 carries at an average of 7.1.
Of the two in the backfield, Williams has a rushing TD to his name too so could easily be the go-to guy for Stafford in key situations, and 60 yards does not seem too tall an order, given Bhayshul Tuten also ran for 65 from 13 carries for the Jaguars last week.
Jaylen Waddle 70+ Receiving Yards (+120)
Jaylen Waddle is another who enjoyed a spectacular turnaround from weeks one to two as he was absolutely key for the Broncos to overcome the Jaguars, even if he didn't find the end zone.
After one catch from three targets for a mere two yards in the mauling at Arrowhead, the offseason trade was the clear focus for Bo Nix in week two with eight receptions from 10 targets for 138 yards.
No other Bronco was targeted more than four times last week and with Waddle establishing his reliability with over 100 reception yards more than his nearest teammate, he should once again be the main man for Nix.
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Rams vs. Broncos odds
LA Rams | -135 |
DEN Broncos | +115 |
Spread | LA Rams -2.5 |
Total | O/U 43.5 |
Rams vs. Broncos player props
Anytime touchdown
Kyren Williams (LA Rams) | -115 |
Davante Adams (LA Rams) | +110 |
J.K. Dobbins (DEN Broncos) | +135 |
Jaylen Waddle (DEN Broncos) | +200 |
Terrance Ferguson (LA Rams) | +220 |
Courtland Sutton (DEN Broncos) | +255 |
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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.
