The Los Angeles Rams are set to open the regular season on the road against the Detroit Lions on September 8, 2024. Various sportsbooks have placed the Rams as 3.5-point underdogs for this game. The moneyline for the Rams is currently at +125, implying that if a bettor wagers $100 on a Rams win, they stand to gain $125 if successful. Conversely, the moneyline for the Lions is -145.
The over/under for this game is set at 51 points. This parameter suggests that sportsbooks predict the combined score of both teams around this number. Specifically, the odds for week 1 have been formulated by analyzing the Rams’ past performances. Last season, the Rams had a record of 9-6-2 against the spread, indicating a relatively strong ability to perform better than initial expectations. In games where they were the moneyline favorite, they triumphed in 88.9% of cases.
Despite facing adversity, the Rams managed to win two out of eight games as underdogs last season. The Rams’ offense was robust, averaging 359.3 yards per game, ranking them seventh in the NFL for yardage gained.
2024 Season Projections and Comparisons
For the 2024 season, the Rams are projected to be favored in 11 out of their 17 games. This marks a noted improvement from the previous year, when they were favorites in only five games. In week 1, the Rams will be without star defensive lineman Aaron Donald, which could influence their defensive performance.
In addition to the odds for the Rams vs. Lions game, other notable week one spreads include the Kansas City Chiefs as 3-point favorites over the Baltimore Ravens, the Philadelphia Eagles as 2.5-point favorites over the Green Bay Packers, and the San Francisco 49ers as 5.5-point favorites over the New York Jets.
Shifts in betting lines from 2023 to 2024 show a slightly more favorable spread for the Rams, moving from +4.5 to +3.5, and a moneyline adjustment from +150 to +125, indicating a closer expected contest against the Lions compared to their matchup against the Seahawks the previous year.
Rams’ Performance Metrics and Betting History
Last season, the Rams performed strongly in various aspects of the game. They covered the spread in six out of the eight games in which they were favored, and their offense averaged 359.3 yards per game. More specifically, the team excelled at home, going 4-2 against the spread as home favorites and 5-3 ATS at home overall.
The Rams’ rushing attack, ranked 11th in yards per rush last season, will need to maintain its effectiveness against a Lions defense that allowed 4.1 yards per rush. Regarding passing efficiency, the Rams had a completion percentage of 62.36%, which will be tested against a Lions defense permitting 7.4 yards per pass.
Furthermore, the Rams’ schedule showcases an early bye in Week 6, followed by games against the Raiders and Vikings. These matchups present opportunities for the Rams to gain momentum. The Rams are expected to contend in the NFC West, according to the current odds. They have odds of +3000 to win the Super Bowl and +1400 to win the NFC Championship.
Key Players and Game Strategies
Wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua are key players for the Rams to focus on. Their contributions to the Rams’ offense will be critical as they aim to leverage their skills against the Lions’ defense.
The Rams had an 8-1 record as favorites last season. Their ability to cover the spread in six games illustrates their consistency when expected to win. The Rams’ ability to continue strong rushing performances will be of particular importance, which held notable importance last season as they ranked 11th in yards per rush. This aspect, paired with an efficient passing game, gives the Rams strategic advantages, especially given the Lions’ defensive statistics from the previous season.
The spreads for other notable matchups in Week 1 are worth noting for further context. The Chiefs are favored over the Ravens by 3 points, the Eagles are favored over the Packers by 2.5 points, and the 49ers are favored over the Jets by 5.5 points.
The data collected last season, and the opening line projections afford us a comprehensive base for evaluating the Rams’ initial challenge of the 2024 season. Specific performance metrics from 2023, such as spread coverage and offensive rankings, offer a lens through which we can assess their probable success in the forthcoming game against the Lions. The projections, anchored in tangible data, provide a clear framework for the likely trajectories and pivotal points of focus for both preparation and betting considerations.
