Los Angeles Rams Preview
Running it Back in 2022
Running it back is easier said than done. One team, the New England Patriots, managed to accomplish the feat over the last two decades and win back-to-back Super Bowls. Plenty have tried, though.
The Los Angeles Rams are among the top betting favorites to win the NFC Championship and Super Bowl 57. They’re also the team to beat in the NFC West. However, they could get some competition from the San Francisco 49ers and, even, the Arizona Cardinals in the race to the division title as per the odds at BetUS Sportsbook.
Read on for all you need to know about the Los Angeles Rams in this preseason series of NFL betting previews. We’ll check the latest NFL expert picks, stats, injury reports, and NFL predictions before capping it all off with NFL picks for your consideration.
Los Angeles Rams Odds
- To win NFC West +125
- To win NFC +500
- To win Super Bowl LVII +1100
- To make Playoffs Y -260 /N +200
Take a Look at 2 Other NFL Analysis, Picks & Predictions
Rams Offense
Was Matthew Stafford the missing piece on the Rams’ offense or was the Rams’ offense the missing piece in Stafford’s career? Whichever way one slices it, the combination worked and delivered the sought-after Lombardi Trophy.
Stafford and wide receiver Cooper Kupp combined for a statistically stellar season. Kupp won the triple crown, emerging as the league leader in receptions, yards, and receiving touchdowns. He was also named the Super Bowl MVP as he caught the game-winning touchdown that helped his side defeat the Cincinnati Bengals in a come-from-behind 23-20 win.
The Rams’ offense finished ninth overall with 372.1 yards per game and eighth overall in points scored with 27.1 points per game. Predictably, they relied on the passing game, which was fifth overall at 273.1 yards per game. The run game finished 24th in the league with 99 yards per game.
For the Rams to have a chance to run it back in 2022, Stafford will need to be just as solid – if not better – in his second season with the Rams. Stafford clearly raised the Rams’ passing game to elite status.
Player to watch: QB Matthew Stafford
Rams Defense
Inasmuch as Stafford is integral to the Rams’ offense, Aaron Donald is integral to the Rams’ elite defense. It was Donald’s play in the playoffs, pressuring opposing quarterbacks and leading the Rams D-line with 3.5 sacks that help lift the Rams to Super Bowl 56 glory.
Last season, the Rams’ D-line was formidable against the run, finishing sixth overall with 103.2 yards per game allowed. Overall, the Rams’ defense finished 17th in the league.
Player to watch: DE Aaron Donald
Rams Team Strength
The quarterback position is undoubtedly this team’s strength. Sean McVay and the Rams took a punt on Stafford, trading former No.1 draft pick Jared Goff and mortgaging their future for the veteran signal-caller. That trade paid dividends.
Rams Team Weakness
The run game might be the team’s biggest weakness. It was certainly last year as the Rams’ offense trailed on that front. Running backs Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson have had their fair share of injuries and that slowed down the run last season. If they can stay healthy, the Rams’ run game should improve in 2022.
Rams Forecast
The Rams are definitely one of the teams to spot in 2022. They’re legitimate contenders to win the NFC West for a second straight season and/or make the playoffs at the least.
