When it comes to the first game of the NFL season, the league couldn’t have picked a more appealing matchup for the defending Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams than matching them up with the AFC contender Buffalo Bills.
Last season, the Rams ended a more than 20-year drought by beating the Cincinnati Bengals to win the franchise’s second Super Bowl. Buffalo couldn’t envy that success more.
A Difficult Collapse in the AFC Divisional
The Bills suffered a difficult collapse in the AFC Divisional round against the Kansas City Chiefs before bowing out of the playoffs.
When it comes to Rams vs Bills betting prediction, there is a number of ways this game can go.
Buffalo and Los Angeles are both fairly well-rounded teams and don’t need to win one specific way. Let’s take a look at how this lid-lifter to the NFL season will go.
Los Angeles Rams vs. Buffalo Bills
The Rams will host the Bills Thursday at 8:20 p.m. at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Rams
Rams stats show that Los Angles enters the 2022 season once again sporting a strong defense. Aaron Donald remains to anchor the defensive line, and despite the departure of Von Miller, Los Angeles still has a strong linebacking core.
On offense, wide receiver Cooper Kupp will provide quarterback Matthew Stafford with a strong target. The Los Angeles Rams did see Odell Beckham Jr. not resign and will be looking to find consistent players from their running backs.
Rams injuries
Stafford said in an interview that he won’t be limited at all by the tendonitis he has been battling in his elbow.
Wide receiver Van Jefferson is questionable, but Rams coach Sean McVay said he is making good progress rebounding from a knee procedure.
Betting Trends to Know
- Los Angeles has won nine of its past ten games.
- The Rams were 2-4 against the spread in their last six games.
- Los Angles saws the total go under in six of its past seven home games.
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills had one of the best offenses in the NFL last season but took a few strange regular season losses to hurt its seeding.
How much the Bills’ standings impacted their playoff performance may have been seen in a tough loss to the Chiefs. Buffalo started slow and wilted late.
But when it comes to Rams vs Bills betting prediction, this is a new season. With that comes the hope the Bills found the final few missing pieces.
Buffalo added Miller from the Rams to help out its pass rush. The Bills also return wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who has developed into Allen’s top target.
Bills Injuries
Buffalo tight end Quintin Morris didn’t practice Sunday and is listed as questionable with a hamstring injury. Wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie is questionable with an undisclosed injury.
Betting Trends to Know
- Buffalo has seen the total go over in five of its past seven games.
- The Bills are 4-1-1 against the spread in their last six games.
- Buffalo has won five of its past six games.
Rams vs. Bills Odds Breakdown
Rams vs Bills betting prediction show that the Bills are 2.5-point favorites. Buffalo is -134 on the moneyline, while the over/under is set at 52.5 points.
Rams vs. Bills Betting Picks
This is a game where the defending Super Bowl champion typically wins. Except for 2019, when the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears played in the opening game to celebrate the NFL’s 100th anniversary, the Super Bowl champion has won three straight NFL Kickoff Classic games.
The New England Patriots were the last defending champion to lose in 2017. Rams stats show that their well-rounded team gives them value on the moneyline plus money at home.
For the over/under, this game should go over the total. While both NFL teams have excellent defenses, this isn’t your grandfather’s NFL.
Grandfather’s NFL
Having a strong defense these days can still involve teams getting pushed into shootouts. Both teams have the ability to push the ball down the field and make big plays in the passing game.
When it comes to the spread, this is another good spot to take the Rams. Los Angeles is the defending Super Bowl champions and playing at home to open the season.
Rams vs. Bills Score Prediction
There is a chance the Bills are the best team in the league, but this is a difficult spot to not take Los Angeles and 2.5-points.
Score Prediction: Los Angeles 30, Buffalo 27
NFL Pick: Rams +2.5 (+110)
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