- What: NFL Regular Season Game
- When: October 20, 2024
- Who: Las Vegas Raiders vs. Los Angeles Rams
- Time: 1:05 p.m. PST
- Where: Sofi Stadium (Inglewood, CA)
On Sunday afternoon, the Las Vegas Raiders will head to Southern California to face the Los Angeles Rams at Sofi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders enter this game with a 2-4 record after a 32-13 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. They also have a 2-4 record in their last six games against the NFC.
Head Coach Antonio Pierce will be coaching against the Rams for the first time. Last week the Raiders made some news when they traded wide receiver Davante Adams to the New York Jets.
Trading Adams was difficult because the Raiders need offensive help. In the past three games quarterback Aidan O’Connell has only thrown for 403 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions.
The best-receiving option for O’Connell will be rookie tight end Brock Bowers, who has caught 37 passes for 384 yards and one touchdown. Meanwhile, wide receiver Jakobi Meyers has caught 25 passes for 273 yards and one touchdown.
Without much help from the receiving corps, the team will need to rely on its running game. Running backs Alexander Mattison and Zamir White need to make a difference.
Sights on SoFi ????#LVvsLAR | ???? CBS pic.twitter.com/7y8RvMau8A
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) October 20, 2024
Mattison has carried the ball 46 times for 158 yards and scored three touchdowns, while White has rushed 49 times for 152 yards but has yet to score a touchdown.
The defense may be disappointing, but there are a few standout players. Star defensive end Maxx Crosby has made 13 solo tackles and has tallied 5.5 sacks.
Linebacker Robert Spillane has 42 solo tackles, one sack, and one interception. While Defensive end Charles Snowden has added seven solo tackles and 1.5 sacks
For the Raiders to stand a chance in this game, the defense must apply relentless pressure on Rams QB Matthew Stafford.
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams have won their last three games against the Raiders. However, the team has struggled with injuries this season, which has been a major concern.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford has a 2-1 record against the Raiders and has shown resilience despite missing key players. There are hopes for the return of wide receiver Cooper Kupp, who has been practicing after recovering from an ankle injury.
However, wideout Puka Nacua is still sidelined due to a knee injury. Running back Kyren Williams has been a standout player, rushing for 360 yards and scoring six touchdowns.
Did someone say GAMEDAY?! ???????? pic.twitter.com/xCozenpXkp
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) October 20, 2024
Additionally, wide receiver Tutu Atwell has been performing well with 17 catches for 281 yards, although he has yet to score a touchdown.
On the other side of the ball, the Rams have a young defense and have struggled since Aaron Donald’s retirement. During the offseason, they also lost their defensive coordinator, Raheem Morris.
As a result, the Rams have given up at least 24 points in each of their first five games this year. The Rams’ pass defense has been their weak point. They have allowed a league-worst 9.0 yards per pass attempt this season.
The Rams were very injured this season, so the bye week came at the perfect time for them to get back to full strength.
Raiders-Rams Best Bet
These two teams appear to be heading in different directions. The Rams are getting healthier while the Raiders are unraveling.
While I expect O’Connell to find some success against the Rams’ pass defense, the Rams are also coming off a bye, giving them additional time to prepare for this one.
The Rams have the advantage at quarterback and head coach. Even though seven points is a key number, I’d lay the points and back the Rams. The Rams -7 points on the spread is the best bet in this one.
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Tony Reyes is a sports betting analyst and reporter for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X @TonyParlay.
