Henry Roldán
The reigning NFL champion Los Angeles Rams got the 2022 preseason off on the right foot with a last-minute win over their crosstown rivals, the Chargers.
The victory came without the presence of Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp and Aaron Donald, who will probably not see action throughout the preseason, with a view to starting the title defense at full strength.
These absences, together with some doubts the team sowed despite scoring 29 points, make us see, strangely enough, that in Las Vegas they are not favorites for the clash on Friday, August 19 against the Houston Texans.
Los Angeles Rams Predictions, Odds, and Betting Preview for NFL Preseason Week 2 2022
Moneyline: (+135)
It is hard to believe that the Rams are not favored to win the game despite the notable starter absences we will see throughout the preseason, as characterized by head coach Sean McVay.
Although they barely managed 232 total yards against the Chargers, the reigning champions found a way to score 29 points and only went scoreless in the first quarter of the game.
The match against the Texans should be a little easier. Although Houston is coming off a 17-13 win over the Saints, the Rams have more depth and experience on their roster to give the Texans a better game than New Orleans did.
Just look at the play of rookie quarterback Bryce Perkins, who racked up 133 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions in his first action for the Rams. That has a lot to say about the quality of this team.
Spread: +3.0
If you’re not sure the Rams can beat the Texans without their big starters, well, there’s the spread option.
For this matchup, it could be a good lifesaver to see Los Angeles lose by three points or less to a Texans team that in the regular round could look very similar to this preseason, as they are in the midst of restructuring and their young players are seeing action all at once.
Let’s not expect Houston to be able to beat up on the Rams, as they are playing at home and on a mission to prepare as much as they can to go for the championship. Not even because it is preseason.
Over/Under: 38.5
With the Rams’ powerful defensive line on the bench, opponents could enjoy certain freedoms during this preseason that we surely won’t see during the regular round.
The Texans are coming off 275 total yards and 17 points against the Saints, something they could repeat against Los Angeles this Friday. What they can’t seem to repeat is holding their opponent to 13 points, since the Rams’ offense is much more powerful than New Orleans’.
Don’t expect a scoring fest, but expect a fairly entertaining engagement with a result that will surpass the points limit expected in Las Vegas.
Future Odds Los Angeles Rams
Over/Under wins in the season: Over 10.5 (-105) / Under 10.5 (-115)
The Rams’ tough schedule this season, as well as the question of whether Matthew Stafford can repeat his 2021 performance, opened the debate in Las Vegas as to whether the reigning champions can win more than 10 games in the upcoming campaign. Considering that in three of the last five years they have surpassed ten laure and that the core is basically the same, taking a chance on the Over is a good choice.
Reach postseason: Yes (-250) / No (+230)
Many will want to see the Rams fall and not defend their title, but the team has all the arguments to sneak back into the postseason in a rather weak NFC. Sean McVay continues to count on Stafford, Cooper Kupp and Aaron Donald, more than enough pieces to keep moving forward.
NFC West Champions: (+135)
The Rams’ divisional rivals seem to be more focused on solving their internal problems and doubts than trying to beat them this season. The Los Angeles team should have no problem repeating their title considering that the 49ers would be their only stone on the road.
NFC Champions: (+500)
Despite not starting as betting favorites, we have already mentioned that the Rams have plenty of arguments to wreak havoc this season and overcome the Packers, a team that in Las Vegas is considered the NFC champion. Remember that Aaron Rodgers won’t have a great group of receivers, so it’s possible that Los Angeles will take advantage of that.
Win the Super Bowl: (+1000)
The oddsmakers don’t have the Rams as favorites to repeat as NFL title contenders, but they’re not that far off when positioning themselves for a fourth-place finish either. There is no doubt that the road is long and complicated, but the pieces and the desire to succeed again seem to be intact, so we cannot rule out the feat.
Matthew Stafford wins MVP: (+1600)
According to bookmakers, the Rams quarterback has the eighth best odds of winning the MVP this season. Something that seems quite complicated considering that he could start the season without being at one hundred percent after recovering from several physical problems.
Cooper Kupp wins MVP: (+8000)
After winning the triple crown for receivers last season, Cooper Kupp finished third in MVP voting. That is why it seems quite complicated for him to win the award this year, since repeating a performance like that is complex and does not guarantee him to beat a quarterback.
