Rams vs. Broncos Point Spread: NFL Pre-Season Week 3 Odds, Prediction
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Nik Kowalski
It’s a battle of 0-2 teams this pre-season, and then the first road game for the Rams and the first home game for the Broncos.
Denver head coach Sean Payton hasn’t ruled out that his team’s starters will yet again see the field, as Russell Wilson has started under centre in both of Denver’s pre-season losses. To no surprise L.A. head coach Sean McVay has rested his key starters — a strategy you can expect again Saturday night.
Kickoff at Empower Field at Mile High Saturday goes at 9 p.m. EDT with the home Broncos a six-point favourite and the total at 36.5 on the NFL odds.
NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis
Denver having to cover by a touchdown again has to do with more of their starters set to suit up against a Rams squad mostly made up of second- and third-stringers. It hasn’t been a winning formula for the Broncos though as they are winless as a favourite in two pre-season outings.
Oddly enough, the Rams have dropped both of their pre-season contests by a score of 34-17. The over has gone 3-1 in these clubs’ pre-season games this year but Denver has still failed to go over 20 points. The Rams are 7-2 ATS and 6-3 straight up in their last nine meetings with Denver.
Los Angeles Rams
National champion rookie quarterback Stetson Bennett got the start for L.A. last weekend and didn’t have the most inspiring outing as he battles veteran Brett Rypien for the Rams’ backup quarterback spot. Bennett finished 15 of 24 for 142 yards and threw a pick-six in L.A.’s loss. Bennett did run in a major from four yards out, L.A.’s only offensive touchdown.
Rookie tight end Davis Allen is a name to watch as led all Rams pass-catchers with eight grabs for 53 yards last week. Receiver Tyler Johnson has been L.A.’s best weapon in pre-season action though, catching eight balls for 105 yards in their two outings. And on defence, linebacker Jake
Denver Broncos
Russell Wilson completed as many passes as he had rush attempts in pre-season Week 2 action, passing for 24 yards and rushing for 25. Jarrett Stidham got majority of the quarterback reps again and had an okay evening going 12 of 17 for 130 yards. Undrafted rookie Jaleel McLaughlin was the big winner for Denver, scoring twice in the loss last weekend and leading Denver with 45 rushing yards on seven carries.
Injuries to receivers Tim Patrick and Jalen Virgil have continued to open the door for undrafted pass-catcher Brandon Johnson, who’s expected to suit up after suffering an injury himself. After Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton, Denver’s WR3 spot is an open battle and one Johnson may win.
LAR
DEN