The scheduling gods have graced us with their presence once again, as the NFL season is set to kick off with a colossal matchup that has the potential to define the landscape of the entire season.
Currently listed as the NFL odds favorite to win the Super Bowl, the Buffalo Bills kick off their season as -2.5 favorites over the Los Angeles Rams, the defending champions.
Buffalo Bills vs Los Angeles Rams Betting Odds via BetOnline
Bills vs Rams Moneyline
- Bills -135
- Rams +115
Bills vs Rams Spread
- Bills -2.5
- Rams +2.5
Bills vs Rams Total
- Over 52 -108
- Under 52 -112
Rarely would one find the reigning champion listed as a the dog for their season opener, especially when playing at home. A number of betting shops had opened Sean McVay’s squad as the 1-point favorite when the lines first hit the board, but the money quickly fell the other way after it was reported that Rams’ QB Matthew Stafford was nursing an elbow injury. The latest reports suggest that the elbow is no longer a concern to the team.
The return of a healthy Cam Akers will allow the Rams to further balance their offense, and while Stafford proved that he could get the job done in the air, having a solid option on the ground could prove valuable tonight if the team looks to work around any arm concerns.
Defensively, Buffalo will be without cornerback Tre’Davious White (ACL), and the loss of Levi Wallace (now with Pittsburgh) means that the Bills will look to a young group to cover the Rams’ deep targets. This team already gave up 176.7 passing yards per game last season, more than any team in the league.
Los Angeles has a shiny new sports car in receiver Allen Robinson. Lined-up alongside Cooper Kupp, the tandem will see their numbers called throughout the night as McVay and Stafford look to test the young defenders and exploit double-team situations.
On the other side of the ball, we have all seen the wizardry Josh Allen is able to produce on the football field, and the Rams would be smart to keep him out of any sort of rhythm.
The Rams bring one of the most impressive pass rushing units to the field, and Allen will be protected by a unit that saw a few personnel adjustments over the offseason. A few missed assignments could prove costly in a game that is clearly expected to be close.
While there is plenty to discuss in terms of Xs & Os, bettors should not overlook the pageantry that comes with the season opener and the celebration that the Rams will receive prior to the kickoff.
This prolonged intro disrupts warmup routines, distracts players, and tends to lead to slower starting games. Nerves are at an all-time high, rookies feel the jitters of their first big-time performance, and veterans look to ease off the rust.
Over the last 12 seasons, season openers have seen an average of 8.3 total points hit the board in the first quarter of the season opener. The majority of these games saw fewer than 7 total points over the same period, making the 1Q total of 10-points very tempting.
Trends are just trends, and trends can be broken. We have two of the best arms in the league taking to the field in a matchup that will see the door quickly close on who ever falls behind.
I say push your luck here and expect Stafford and Allen to buck this trend and top 10-points before the game gets into the 2nd quarter.
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