Week 1 had plenty of upsets, especially on the betting side of things. Several underdogs covered the spread, including the Lions, Seahawks and Giants. No to mention that the Seahawks and Giants both won outright.
One of the biggest underdogs in Week 2 is the Falcons, who will be on the road playing the Rams. Let’s break down this game and discuss how things might play out for both teams.
Rams vs. Falcons: Week 2 NFL Betting Picks & Predictions
Los Angeles Rams vs. Atlanta Falcons Odds
Atlanta Spread: +10
Los Angeles Spread: -10
Over/Under: 46.5 points
Location: SoFi Stadium
Time: 4:05 p.m. EST
TV: FOX
Rams Offense vs. Falcons Defense
Simply put, the Rams’ offense looked disjointed in Week 1 against the Bills. Stafford struggled, completing 29 of 41 passes attempts for 240 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions. They brought in Allen Robinson II to help add a spark to their wide receiver group, but he was only targeted twice, finishing with one catch for 12 yards.
Another shocking development for the Rams’ offense in Week 1 was that Cam Akers only received three carries, compared to 13 carries for Darrell Henderson Jr. Akers also wasn’t targeted in the passing game, while Henderson hauled in all five of his targets for 26 yards. One of the team’s lone bright spots was Cooper Kupp, who picked up right where he left off last season by catching 13 of 15 targets for 128 yards and a touchdown. The NFL Player Props Tool projects Kupp to finish Week 2 with 102.77 passing yards.
The Falcons raced out to an early lead against the Saints in Week 1, with their defense holding New Orleans to 10 points through three quarters. However, the Falcons fell apart in the 4th quarter, scoring just three points while allowing 17. They had no answer for Michael Thomas, who caught both of the Saints’ touchdowns in the final frame.
Offense vs. Rams Defense
With Marcus Mariota at quarterback, it’s no secret that the Falcons plan to be a run-oriented team. Mariota had 12 carries himself in Week 1, turning them into 72 yards and a touchdown. Atlanta also leaned heavily on Cordarelle Patterson, who converted his 22 carries into 120 yards and a touchdown.
Surprisingly, Kyle Pitts only came away with two catches for 19 yards. It wasn’t due to a lack of involvement in the offense, though, since he finished with seven targets. Better days should be on the horizon for him, and The NFL Player Props Tool projects Pitts to finish Week 2 with 59.68 receiving yards. The Falcons’ leading receiver in Week 1 was rookie wide receiver Drake London, who caught five of seven targets for 74 yards.
The Rams’ saw their defense dismantled by the Bills, who scored 31 points. Matthew Stafford certainly didn’t help their cause by throwing three interceptions. The Rams’ biggest weakness was in their pass defense. Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis combined for 210 receiving yards and two touchdowns. In terms of matchups, though, it doesn’t get much more difficult than facing Josh Allen and company.
Rams vs. Falcons Pick
This is a great bounce-back spot for the Rams. They’ve had additional time off to prepare, since their first game was played on Thursday Night Football. The Rams are normally stout against the run, which is an area that the Falcons want to run their offense through. Last season, the Rams allowed sixth-fewest rushing yards per game in the entire league.
This game probably isn’t a question of whether the Rams will win or not, it’s if they will cover the hefty spread. The Rams had problems with the mobility that Allen brought to the table last week, and while Mariota isn’t anywhere near the level of quarterback that Allen is, he is at least mobile. Don’t be surprised if the Rams win, but the Falcons cover the spread.
Los Angeles Rams vs. Atlanta Falcons Prediction: Falcons +10 at Bet MGM
