MNF Preview and Bets: Los Angeles Rams @ San Francisco 49ers
Gambling Opinion by Ethan Irish and Josh Blatt
The Los Angeles Rams go into San Francisco for Monday Night Football in a divisional rivalry. Both teams thus far have not played up to their potential, the Niners being 1-2 and the Rams being a sluggish 2-1 to start the NFL season.
Rams quarterback, Matthew Stafford is 1-5 against San Francisco in his career and that win came when he was still playing for the Detroit Lions. He has never won @ San Francisco. Will he change that trend? On the other side, Jimmy Garoppolo continues to be the starting QB for the 49ers with Trey Lance being injured. Everyone loved him going into last week before a terrible offensive showing from both teams the 11-10, loss to Denver.
Ethan's Take:
A lot of my interest in this game is in the Rams. Right now they are not playing to the standards that I know they can and it feels like they are one of those teams who just are trying to figure out what works early in the season. I think that this is the week where that changes. They get to face a beaten up divisional opponent who has no reason to be favored in prime time and show the NFL that they were Super Bowl Champions last season. They are struggling offensively averaging only 306.3 yards a game putting them at 25th in the league. I expect that to change this week or next week.
Everyone thought that Jimmy Garoppolo was the Niners savior once Trey Lance went down earlier this year, which I still don't understand. He wasn't starting for a reason, they weren't just throwing Lance a bone and hoping he made them a playoff contender. It is because Garoppolo is worse, that's the reason. Sportsbooks are still overhyping the San Francisco starter it seems giving the Rams 2 points in Monday Night's contest. I think they win the game outright.
Ethan's Bets:
Los Angeles Rams ML (+105) (Caesars)
Los Angeles Rams Total Touchdowns o2 (-160) (Fanduel)
Josh's Take:
As Ethan already stated-- most of the focus is on the Rams Monday night, however I believe that the result will be decided by which version of Jimmy Garoppolo shows up to the game. If he can utilize George Kittle and Deebo Samuel, as well as his slew of backup running backs in the short passing game, the 49ers will be fine. If Jimmy G just manages the game as we've seen him, I don't see a win coming toward San Francisco's way. It will take a huge effort from Garoppolo to keep the 49ers in this game, especially with Elijah Miller on IR.
The Rams are missing two offensive linemen, and two cornerbacks, whereas the 49ers will be without the services of offensive tackle Trent Williams and linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair. The early injury report doesn't seem too crazy, but considering the Rams will be without two starting linemen, it will be much easier for Nick Bosa and company to get pressures on Matt Stafford. I see George Kittle having his season breakout game. I also envision this as a close victory for the Rams, who have seemed to start on a less than stellar note-- even if they hold a 2-1 record.
Josh's Bets: (via Fanduel)
George Kittle Anytime TD Scorer (+185)
Matt Stafford o1.5 Passing TDs (-114)