L.A. Chargers
vs.
L.A. Rams
Preview
9/23/18
By: Jason Green
L.A. Chargers (1-1 SU 1-1 ATS) vs. L.A. Rams (2-0 SU 2-0 ATS
The Chargers got into the win column in their last Game with a 31-20 win over the Buffalo Bills. They are a 7-point underdog in this Game and while they are technically on the road they share the same stadium as the Rams. Phillip Rivers leads the Bolts and early in the season they rank 3rd in the league in passing yards per Game. Rivers may have to do it all this week and then some facing a Rams’ defense that ranks 1st in the league in scoring defense and 5th in the league in ppg.
The Rams are coming off a 34-0 shutout win over the Arizona Cardinals and the ceiling is high for the team. Still, have they been tested? Their two wins have come against teams that are a combined 0-4. Still, they have balaNCe can move the chains on the ground and in the air and they have only given up one TD this season.
At 5Dimes sportsbook the Rams are a 7-point favorite with a total sitting at 48.
In the early season the Chargers are 1-1 ATS with an O/U record of 2-0 and the Rams are 1-1 ATS with an O/U record of 0-2.
These teams have not met since the 2014 season.
The Chargers last Game facing the Bills they held them to fewer than 300 overall yards and Rivers passed for 256 yards and had three TD and was not picked off. The Bolts will likely have to use a more balanced approach in this Game, as Rivers cannot do it all facing the Rams, who have not allowed a passing TD in their first two Games.
The run Game has to help Rivers out in this Game and in their last Game facing the Bills they rushed for 109 yards, but their big back of Melvin Gordon only had 28 yards while Austin Ekeler had 77 rushing yards. They will be facing a Rams’ team that only allowed 54 rushing yards in their last Game.
The Rams have gotten off to a great start on the season and maybe this will be their first test. Their offense and defense has been great in two Games and their D will likely be the unit really to get their work in this Sunday with Rivers on the field.
Jared Goff passed for 354 yards with a TD and a pick in the win over Arizona and the Rams have a deep WR corps with Brandin Cooks leading the way against the Cardinals with 159 receiving yards. RB Todd Gurley is the reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year and he only had 42 rushing yards in the win over Arizona dealing with cramps. He should be ready to go and 100% in this Game and also on the season he has six catches for 70 yards and a TD.
The Chargers have the offense to do some damage, but can they keep the Rams this week with iNFLicting more? They did give up 20 points to a pretty weak Bills team last week and overall their D ranks 13th in the league defending the pass and 14th defending the run.
Key Betting Trends
Chargers
15-7-1 ATS in their last 23 road Games
3-7 ATS in their last 10 Games against a team with a winning record
Under record of 10-3 in their last 13 Games
Rams
5-11-1 ATS in their last 17 home Games
4-10 ATS in their last 14 Games after ACCumulating more than 350 total yards in their previous Game
Under record of 6-2 in their last 8 home Games
Jason’s Pick: I think the Rams are a legit Super Bowl contender, but the Chargers are a dangerous team that can put up a lot of points. The Rams may win this Game, but with Rivers and company the Chargers will play it close in a high scoring affair and cover the spread in this “road” Game.