Picking the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC West seemed like a pretty reasonable bet on NFL futures. But if the season ended today, the Los Angeles Rams would be declared the winners of the West. Although both the Rams and Seahawks have a 2-1 record, the Rams actually beat the Seahawks in Week 2. Following the upset over their division rival, Los Angeles put up an equally impressive showing against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Tampa Bay may not be known around the league for being a tough football team, but the contest between the Bucs and the Rams was certainly one of the most entertaining. In their win the Rams showed strength and resilience, overcoming an early pick 6 and even returning a fumble for a touchdown on defense later in the game.
It was certainly a back and forth between Tampa Bay and Los Angeles, but in the end a solid stop on defense sealed the deal for the Rams. In their first year returning to the City of Angels the Rams aren’t playing the greatest football, but are managing to win games – which is all that matters in this league. The Rams will be looking to keep the momentum they’ve gained in their last two weeks going into Week 4 against their NFC West rivals, the Arizona Cardinals. What kind of chances are top sportsbooks giving the Rams in Sunday’s contest?
Week 4 – Sunday the 2nd of October
Los Angeles Rams +8 (-110) 42½ (-110) +305
Arizona Cardinals -8 (-110) 42½ (-110) -375
Despite the fact that the Rams are coming off of 2 consecutive upsets, the odds are still saying they aren’t worth your bet on NFL games. Interestingly enough the Jeff Fisher led Rams have elected to bench Jared Goff – the player they selected with the first pick in the 2016 draft, instead of starting him right away. Fisher has stated to the media that there is ‘no rush’ and that it would be better to give the rookie the time he needs to learn the offenses, learn the tempo of professional football, and have the easiest transition into the NFL.
While that all seems fine and dandy, seeing how successful the Cowboys and the Eagles have been this year with their rookies raises questions as to whether or not this is the best strategy to employ with the young star. Carson Wentz has been hailed as the best Eagle since Mark Wahlberg, and Dak Prescott has been playing so well that Dallas’ fans don’t even miss Romo. One can’t argue with Fisher as long as he’s winning, but still, with all the success this rookie class has been enjoying, why not throw Goff into the mix.
The Cardinals haven’t been too terribly impressive this year. Arizona is currently ranked 10th in points per game, 15th in total yards gained per game, 11th in passing yards gained per contest, and 20th in rushing yards gained per game. Defensively the Cardinals have been a little bit better. Arizona is ranked 13th in points allowed per game, 9th in total yards, 6th in passing yards, and 28th in rushing yards allowed per game.
The Rams offense ranks near the bottom of the league in all the important stats, so it’s hard to envision seeing Los Angeles outscore the Cardinals. Unless the Rams can score some points on special teams or on defense, then it’s likely their upset streak will likely come to an end this Sunday. You might be better off picking the favorite for your bet on NFL games this Sunday.