In 2020, the Rams had the best scoring defense in the NFL. They rolled the dice in the off-season, sending Jared Goff and draft picks to Detroit for Matthew Stafford. The gamble paid off in Week One, as Stafford went 20 of 26, throwing for 321 yards and three scores. The defense had a pair of takeaways and three sacks in the 34-14 rout of the Chicago Bears. Indianapolis took the loss in their opener, falling at home to the Seattle Seahawks, 28-16. The Colts had an ironclad running defense last year but allowed the Seahawks 5.2 yards per attempt. In the passing game, Russell Wilson burned the Colts for four touchdowns. On offense, Indianapolis only got 56 yards from Jonathan Taylor.
Can the Colts get more going on offense? We’ll see — check out our thoughts in this online NFL betting preview.
NFL Preview: L.A. Rams at Indianapolis Colts (Sunday, September 19)
When: Sunday, September 19, 2021, 1:00 pm ET
Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis
TV: FOX
Radio: KSPN 710 AM Los Angeles / WFNI 107.5 FM Indianapolis
Live Stream: Hulu
NFL Odds: L.A. Rams -3.5 / O/U 48
Why should you bet on the Rams?
Matthew Stafford was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his big numbers in the Rams’ prime time win. The Rams run one of the more sophisticated offenses in the NFL, but Stafford looked right at home. All three wide receivers — Cooper Kupp, DeSean Jackson and Robert Woods — caused matchup problems for the Bears, and tight end Tyler Higbee also did a lot of damage. Can Stafford keep producing at an MVP level? We’ll see as he heads out on the road against a Colts defense that should be better than what they showed in the opener.
On defense, Jalen Ramsey occupied the “star” position, flying around and causing chaos against the Bears. It’s worth noting that the Bears do not have as many offensive weapons as the Colts do, starting with Jonathan Taylor. Expect Ramsey to focus Taylor and make sure that the running game does not give the Colts that sort of relentless, grinding rhythm that allows them to dictate the pace of the game.
Why should you put your money on the Colts?
Carson Wentz looked a lot like his old self — the pre-collapse self that was heading for an MVP in Philadelphia before he blew out his knee. He went 25 of 38 for 251 yards and a pair of scores. Jonathan Taylor also led the Colts in receiving yards, with 60 yards on six receptions. Nyheim Hines had six catches for 48 yards. Those two tailbacks caught a dozen passes, perhaps showing a conservative approach on offense until Wentz gets more confidence — and the O-line gives him more time in the pocket.
On defense, Khari Willis and Bobby Okereke combined for 14 total tackles. However, the scheme needs some adjustment after the Seahawks were able to move the ball at will through the air and on the ground. However, the Colts have not covered the spread in their last four games at home and have only covered in one of their last five games overall. If you like the home team here, you see them making adjustments from the opening week’s film and doing a better job against Stafford than the Bears did. There is also the factor of a West Coast team playing in the early time slot in the Eastern time zone, as jet lag does play a role.
Final Score and Betting Prediction
I see the Rams getting after Carson Wentz more than the Seahawks did, which could lead to a turnover or two. Also, if the Colts struggled against Russell Wilson, they are also likely to struggle against Stafford. I see the Rams fighting through the early cobwebs and pushing to a 30-20 win.
NFL Betting Odds
Love betting NFL football? | Xbet Sportsbook offers up to date NFL lines
