Lions vs. Rams Preview and Free Pick

Lions vs. Rams Preview and Free Pick

Our attention is on the clash in which the Detroit Lions, a team who dominated the NFC North last season, will be playing host to the Los Angeles Rams, repeating the clash that ended the LA team road the previous campaign.

Both teams have been making changes in the offseason. However, now that we are preparing for the start of the new regular phase, and looking at the starters list for both teams, we can see that one of them seems to be struggling with injuries and absences as they approach this opener.

Still, this match can bring plenty of emotions, and be an exciting event for a Sunday night of high-quality football.

Lions vs. Rams Betting Odds and Info

When Do The Lions and Rams Play?Sunday, September 8th at 8:20 pm ET, 7:20 pm CST, 6:20 pm MT, and 5:20 pm PT
Where are the Lions and Rams Playing?Ford Field
What are the Moneyline Odds for the Lions?Lions 1.579
What are the Moneyline Odds for the Rams?Rams 2.47
What is the Over/Under for the Lions and Rams?31
Where can I watch the Lions and Rams on TV?CBSESPN, and Fox Sports
Where can I watch the Lions and Rams on Stream?NFL Network

Why Bet on the Lions?

The Lions see the return of every critical piece to a team that made a deep playoff run the last time.

Detroit can hurt you in several ways, and with celebrated offensive coordinator Ben Johnson back for another year, they are primed to repeat (and improve) last year’s output. They ranked top seven in “Holy Grail” analytics, EPA per play, and offensive DVOA.

The Lions also made a focused effort to patch any holes in their defense, specifically the secondary, which was the team’s biggest weakness.

Why Bet on the Rams?

The Rams have several starters expected to miss time, like LT Alaric Jackson, who was suspended two games, and RT Rob Havenstein is struggling with an injury and may not play. In a scenario with both tackles out, the Rams would start Joe Noteboom and Warren McClendon Jr., a 5th-round rookie last season who has only played 32 snaps and has a PFF pass blocking grade of 45.0.

Many were rightfully concerned about the Rams’ defense without Donald on the field. He’s one of the best NFL players ever, and last season commanded a 63 percent double-team rate.

That presence is gone, throwing this young Rams pass rush into a much more difficult situation. Equally concerning is the team’s linebacker corps now that Jones is playing for the Tennessee Titans.

Final Betting Analysis: Lions vs. Rams

Given Ford Field is one of the rare venues that warrant an adjustment for home field, this 3-point spread says these teams would be relatively even on a neutral site, but that’s not the case. Detroit is the better offense, the better defense, and one of the best home bets in the NFL under Dan Campbell (19-8 ATS since 2021).

We’ve mentioned the Lions’ potent scoring attack and the Rams’ ramshackle defense, which will see Detroit pick up where it left off last year when it averaged 29.9 points per homestand. The Rams’ offense isn’t too shabby either, but we expect a home win.

Go for a victory for the locals at 1.579. If you bet $100 at such odds, you could get $57.9 for a total payout of $157.9.

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Lions vs. Rams Betting Pick: Detroit Lions

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