Los Angeles Rams Super Bowl 53 Prop Bets

Prop bets have become one of the more popular ways for sports betting enthusiasts to enjoy (and profit from) the Super Bowl each year. This year, there are more prop betting options that ever, with thousands of choices related to almost every aspect of the game. Some examples include how many plays CBS color commentator Tony Romo will predict correctly before the snap (over/under 7 ½) and what the longest touchdown pass will be for either team (over/under 42 ½ yards). We’ve already written a couple of articles about the NFL prop betting on this game, but this article focuses on the props that depend on what the Los Angeles Rams do (or don’t do) in this game.

Los Angeles Rams Super Bowl 53 Prop Bets

How many sacks will the Rams tally?

• (O/U 1.5)

The Patriots lead the NFL in adjusted sack rate on offense, while the Rams rank just 19th in the league in adjusted sack rate on defense. The Patriots have only given up multiple sacks in one game in their last seven, and they have not given up a single sack in this postseason. The Chiefs were only able to muster a slap on Tom Brady’s shoulder pad — and they got flagged for roughing the passer. Yes, the Rams have Aaron Donald and Ndamunkong Suh in their interior line, but the Patriots have the scheme and strength to slow them down — and no one releases the ball quicker than Brady. So I’m going under 1.5 sacks.

How many yards will Todd Gurley gain on the ground?

• (O/U 74.5)

Todd Gurley had four carries for 10 yards in the NFC Championship against New Orleans. He did score a touchdown, but he spent most of the game on the sideline. He did run for 115 yards against Dallas in the divisional round, but we learned that the Rams had been able to pick up on some tells from the Cowboys’ defensive line, making it easy for the Rams’ offensive line to blow some holes open. Gurley did suffer some knee issues down the stretch, and he only cracked the 55-yard mark in three of his last four games before taking Weeks 16 and 17 off. With C.J. Anderson also ready to carry the ball, I’m going under 74.5 yards.

Who will score the game’s first touchdown?

New England’s Sony Michel (5-1) is the overall favorite. However, the next four players on the odds list are all Rams: Gurley (6-1), Anderson (7-1), and wide receivers Brandin Cooks and Robert Woods (each 15-2). These picks seem to indicate that the opening drives will be grinding, with teams rumbling down the field to punch the ball into the end zone with their running game. I tend to think the Patriots will score first, but if the Rams score first, I like Anderson to be the first one to find the end zone.

Will either team score in the first 6 ½ minutes of the game?

It’s likely that the Rams will have the ball to start the game. The Patriots usually defer (although they took the ball first against Kansas City). The Rams would more than likely want to start with their offense on the field. So this really boils down to whether you think the Patriots can force the Rams to punt (or force a turnover) on their opening drive. I tend to think that the opening quarter will involve the teams feeling each other out, so I’m going No (-150) on this one.

How many touchdown passes will Jared Goff throw?

• (O/U 2.5)

The over has a +170 moneyline, while the under has a -200 moneyline. If Goff can get to three touchdown passes, expect the Rams to win. Patrick Mahomes threw three touchdown passes in the second half, and the Rams’ defense is a lot better than the Chiefs’. However, this is Goff’s first soiree on the game’s biggest stage. I’m going under 2.5 touchdowns for Goff, win or lose.