The backend of Monday night’s doubleheader of NFL Week 1 games is an inter-conference clash between the Los Angeles Rams and the Oakland Raiders at Oakland Coliseum. Game time on the West Coast is set for 10:15 p.m. on ESPN.
Los Angeles at Oakland Game Overview
Coming off a straight-up 11-5 record (9-7 against the spread) and NFC West title, the Rams are now one of the top favorites to make their way to the Super Bowl this season. Last year’s run ended with a wild-card playoff loss to Atlanta as six-point home favorites. The total stayed UNDER 48 points in that disappointing 26-13 setback after going OVER in their final five regular season games. Los Angeles was 2-2 both SU and ATS in its recent preseason schedule.
One of the main reasons the Rams are among the top favorites to win the NFC this year is the steady progression of third-year quarterback Jared Goff. As the team’s full-time starter in 2017, he threw for 3,804 yards and 28 touchdowns. The ground game will once again be paced by Todd Gurley, who added another 1,305 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground. Another big reason is a defense that held opposing teams to 20.6 points per game.
In Jon Gruden’s first stint as head coach in Oakland, his team won 22 games in his final two seasons at the helm in 2000 and 2001. His return this year has given Raiders’ fans a renewed hope that last year’s six-win campaign was just a blip on the radar screen following an SU 12-4 record in 2016. The preseason games do not count in the standings, but a 3-1 mark SU and ATS has to be seen as a step in the right direction.
Derek Carr is the key to the Raiders’ offense at quarterback, but he needs to play with better consistency over the course of a 16-game schedule. Oakland added Jordy Nelson as another target in the passing game along with Michael Crabtree and Amari Cooper. The biggest concern heading into this game and the entire 2018 season is how the recent loss of Khalil Mack will impact a defense that was already ranked 23rd in the NFL last season in yards allowed.
Get more details: Rams at Raiders Match-Up Stats
Los Angeles at Oakland Game Betting Trends
- –The Rams are 1-6 ATS in their last seven games on Monday night, and they have gone 4-13 ATS in their previous 17 season opener. The total has gone OVER in seven of their last eight road games.
- –The Raiders have a 4-1-1 record ATS in their last six Monday night games and they have covered in six of their previous eight games in September. The total has gone OVER in five of their last seven games on Monday night.
- –Los Angeles has covered in the last four meetings, and the total has stayed UNDER in three of those four games.
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