The Los Angeles Rams and Denver Broncos square off in a Saturday NFL Week 3 preseason game at Empower Field at Mile High. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.
Los Angeles Rams Betting Preview
The Rams drop to 0-2 in preseason action after a loss to the Raiders. The Rams have lost both games by the score of 17-34. The Rams have now lost 4 straight preseason games overall. In the Ram’s most recent effort, Stetson Bennett threw for 142 yards on 24 passes, while Brett Rypien had 14 passing yards on 4 passes. Ronnie Rivers led the Rams with 42 rushing yards on 9 carries, while Davis Allen and Tyler Johnson combined for 88 receiving yards on 11 catches. Defensively, Jordan Jones led the Rams with 5 tackles, Keir Thomas had 1 sack and Jake Hummel had 1 interception. The Rams defense could show more effort as teams are scoring on them at will, and they’re fresh off a game where they allowed 25 first downs and 440 total yards. Both games were at home as well, so there’s a chance the Rams could be even worse in their first road effort.
Denver Broncos Betting Preview
The Broncos are also 0-2 in the preseason after a loss to the 49ers. The Broncos allowed 12 points in the fourth quarter, including two late scores, to blow the game. The Broncos have lost both games by a combined 2 points. In the Bronco’s most recent effort, Jarrett Stidham threw for 130 yards on 17 passes, while Russell Wilson had 24 passing yards on 6 passes. Jaleel McLaughlin led the Broncos with 45 rushing yards and 1 touchdown, while Jalen Virgil and Lil’Jordan Humphrey combined for 80 receiving yards on 4 catches. Defensively, Drew Sanders led the Broncos with 7 tackles, Jonathon Cooper had 1 sack and Essang Bassey had 1 interception. The Broncos should have some fire in their belly after back to back tight losses and both games coming down to the final seconds. The good news is the Broncos are at home for the first time and don’t have to leave until week 3 which is a month from now.
Trends
The Rams are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games overall. The Broncos are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 Saturday games. The under is 4-1 in Rams last 5 games overall. The over is 5-0 in Broncos last 5 games overall. The Rams are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings. The home team is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 meetings. The underdog is 7-0 ATS in their last 7 meetings.
Randy’s Pick
While neither team has won a preseason game, the Broncos have been a lot more competitive, and you have to believe they’ll finally get one to go their way. Again, the Broncos should be a little motivated after both tough losses, and coming home helps. The Rams have been a mess defensively, and those things usually don’t fix itself on the road. These winless records aren’t the same and while I don’t like laying more than a field goal in the preseason, I see the Rams getting smoked for a third straight time. Give me the Broncos.
