NFL Preseason Predictions: Will Rams beat Chargers, stay unbeaten? 8/26/17
Will the Rams stay unbeaten in preseason play when they host the Chargers tonight at 8:00PM ET?
The Matchup: Chargers vs. Rams, 8:00PM ET, Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
According to oddsmakers, Los Angeles is a 2.5-point favorite to beat the Chargers tonight. The betting total for this matchup sits at 41.5 after opening at 42.5. The point spread, meanwhile, has not moved off that 2.5-point figure.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers have struggled thus far in preseason play. They’re 0-2 following losses to the Seahawks and Saints, respectively. In their 13-7 loss to New Orleans last week, starter Philip Rivers did not play. Kellen Clemens did, however, and completed 10-of-17 passes for 99 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions.
Clemens also rushed for 26 yards on three carries to lead Los Angeles in rushing. Andre Williams, meanwhile, finished with just 23 yards on 11 carries. Jamaal Jones led the team in receiving, catching five passes for 47 yards.
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams have had a successful preseason under new coach Sean McVay. After beating the Cowboys 13-10 in their exhibition opener, Los Angeles handed the Raiders a 24-21 loss last week. Jared Goff continued his strong play in preseason, completing 16-of-20 passes for 160 yards and a touchdown.
Todd Gurley, meanwhile, rushed for 38 yards and a touchdown on eight carries. Rookie Cooper Kupp also had a solid game, hauling in six passes for 70 yards and a touchdown.
Our Prediction
I’m tempted to take the under in this matchup but I like the Rams a shade more. Rivers or no Rivers, the Chargers have not played well this preseason. That’s not always an indication of how a team will perform in the regular season and I still think the Bolts are underrated in 2017. That said, the Rams clearly hold the preseason in higher regard given how good they’ve looked the past two weeks.
Goff is the key tonight. If he continues to play well, I think the Rams have a lead at halftime and hold it when Sean Mannion comes in. This should be a relatively low-scoring affair, but I like the Rams to come out on top.
NFL Preseason Prediction: Los Angeles Rams -2.5
