The Los Angeles Rams are going to give No. 1 overall pick Jared Goff some work with the first-team offense in Week 2 of the preseason. That could either be a good or a bad thing, depending on how Goff handles the assignment. The former California star has plenty of talent but is still learning the NFL ropes, and it will be interesting to see how he fares against the Kansas City Chiefs in NFL betting.
This Week 2 preseason matchup will be held on Saturday, August 20th, 2016, at 9 p.m. ET Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California.
NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Kansas City Chiefs +3
Los Angeles Rams -3
Over/Under 39
Odds Analysis
The Kansas City Chiefs have more talented starting units on both sides of the ball, but the preseason could mean it will be a short night for them. The Rams’ quarterback battle could play to their advantage, as Goff and incumbent starter Case Keenum could see a good deal of playing time as the coaches decide who to use when the regular season beckons. While the Chiefs would be favored if this game counted in the standings, the Rams are instead the favorite in this preseason clash.
Quarterback Rotation
Case Keenum and Jared Goff should both continue to see repetitions with the first-team offense so the coaches can see how they do. Keenum was the more impressive quarterback in the Rams’ preseason opener, a 28-24 win over the Dallas Cowboys, by completing 6-of-7 passes for 58 yards. Goff came in after him and went 4-of-9 for 38 yards and an interception and injured his shoulder. However, the injury wasn’t a big deal, and while it wasn’t a good outing, struggles are to be expected early on.
Third-string quarterback Sean Mannion was very good in the opener, completing 18-of-25 passes for 147 yards with three touchdowns and an interception.
The Chiefs don’t have a quarterback battle, but they will feature a signal-caller who was the starter for the Rams just last season. Nick Foles was asked for his release from the Rams since they drafted Goff, and he then signed with Kansas City. Foles was 4-of-8 for 37 yards in his debut with the team. Alex Smith is the unquestioned starter in Kansas City and he went 3-of-4 for 36 yards. Smith doesn’t need a ton of work to get ready for the season, which should favor the Rams’ chances at winning.
Rookie Kevin Hogan went 2-of-6 for 21 yards and an interception in his NFL debut for the Chiefs, while Tyler Bray was 3-of-9 for 48 yards. Aaron Murray had the most success of the Chiefs quarterbacks, completing 3-of-5 passes for 52 yards. It’s rare for a team to have five quarterbacks on the roster but Kansas City is trying to decide who the best fits are behind Smith.
Coaching History
Los Angeles Rams coach Jeff Fisher is 36-37 in his preseason career. He hasn’t had much success in recent years with the Rams. Fisher is just 3-10 in the preseason since 2012 and hasn’t had a winning record in the preseason since 2009.
Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid is 32-37 in his career over the preseason. He went a perfect 4-0 in last year’s preseason but the team was already dealt a loss in this season’s opener.
Free ATS Pick
Jared Goff and star running back Todd Gurley hope to lead the Rams to the playoffs for many years to come, but Goff is still young and learning the ropes. He has a lot to prove in this preseason game if the Rams can use him as the starter to begin the season. This could be a breakout game for Goff, who could lead the team to a victory over Kansas City in NFL betting.
NFL Odds: Rams 27, Chiefs 17
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