Los Angeles Rams vs. Detroit Lions Betting Preview
Where: Ford Field — Detroit, Michigan
When: Sunday, October 16, 2016, 1:00 PM ET
Line: Los Angeles Rams (+3.5) at Detroit Lions (-3.5); total: 43.5 – view all NFL lines
TV Broadcast: CBS
Writer’s Pick: Detroit Lions (-3.5)
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Betting on the Los Angeles Rams (+3.5)
Case Keenum converted 21 of his 31 passes for 271 yards against Buffalo on Sunday. But his two interceptions, specifically the one that was returned for a touchdown in the third quarter, ultimately cost the game for the Los Angeles Rams, who saw its three-game winning streak snapped.
Todd Gurley, despite the loss, finally delivered the Rams’ first score at home since moving back to LA, running for a 1-yard touchdown in the first half. He finished the game with 72 yards rushing and added three catches for 36 yards. Gurley’s been unable to get it going on the ground this season, but he’s compensated for that by being more involved in the passing game.
Speaking of which, Gurley can continue doing just that when the Rams try to bounce back in this weekend’s trip to Ford Field. They’ll be taking on the Lions—a team which isn’t really known to have a rock-solid defense. Detroit is currently among the bottom teams in the league in scoring defense (25.0) and total yards allowed per game (378.2).
The trio of Kenny Britt, Tavon Austin and Brian Quick should also help the Rams get some big gains through the air. Britt and Austin lead the team in receiving yards with 281 and 159, respectively. Quick, however, has been the most reliable red-zone target with three touchdowns under his belt.
LA is 4-6 SU and 4-5-1 ATS in its last 10 games on the road.
Betting on the Detroit Lions (-3.5)
Two crucial plays by cornerback Darius “Big Play” Slay in the fourth period helped the Detroit Lions steal a 24-23 win over the Eagles on Sunday.
With less than three minutes left to play, Slay forced Philadelphia’s Ryan Mathews to turn the ball over which eventually resulted to Matt Prater’s game-winning field-goal kick. Then after, the 25-year-old Mississippi State product put the nail in the coffin by intercepting Carson Wentz’s pass to secure the W for the Lions.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford was limited to a season-low 180 passing yards and struggled to connect with any particular receiver. Still, his overall effort managed to end Detroit’s three-game slide, something that should set every Lions fan’s mind at ease for now.
Moving on, a return trip home for a matchup with the Rams appears to be a good opportunity for Stafford and co. to come up with another win. Los Angeles has struggled to take care of the ball lately, totaling five turnovers, three of which came against Buffalo yesterday, in its last three games.
The Lions can certainly capitalize on those extra possessions through their pass-heavy offense. They currently have four players who are averaging at least 7.9 yards per catch. Marvin Jones has been leading the way there with 482 receiving yards, the second-most in the league.
However, Detroit’s pass rush needs to do a better job in protecting Stafford. On average, he’s being sacked 2.5 times per game this season. That’s unacceptable.
Detroit is 5-5 SU and 4-6 ATS in its last 10 games at Ford Field.
Writer’s Prediction
LA (+3.5) bounces back, 24-20.
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