With a good performance in Week 3 of the preseason, Trevor Siemian could earn himself the starting quarterback job for the defending Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos. This is certainly no regular exhibition contest as the former seventh-round pick is trying to beat out Mark Sanchez for the starting gig. The Broncos will face off against the Los Angeles Rams, who have a quarterback competition brewing themselves. This should be a much-anticipated meeting in NFL odds.
This Week 3 preseason matchup will be held on Saturday, August 27th, 2016, at 9 p.m. ET at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Los Angeles Rams +4.5
Denver Broncos -4.5
Over/Under 42
Odds Analysis
Neither side has a star quarterback, but the Broncos are solid favorites because of their stout defense. The likes of Von Miller, Chris Harris and DeMarcus Ware may play the majority of the first half, and they could harass Case Keenum, Jared Goff or whichever other quarterback lines up under center for the Rams. The Broncos are one of the biggest favorites in the third week of the preseason.
Quarterback Rotation
Trevor Siemian earned a big vote of confidence by being named the starter by coach Gary Kubiak. He was 10-of-14 for 75 yards with an interception in last week’s game against the San Francisco 49ers. Siemian may be able to earn the starting nod to begin the season with a nice performance.
Mark Sanchez can make his case by playing well in relief of Siemian. The Rams’ defense is tough, and Kubiak may want to get both starters playing time against the pass rush of the Rams. Rookie Paxton Lynch is also expected to see time although he is not expected to be in the running for the starting job initially.
While Jared Goff was the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, he is listed as the backup on the depth chart. Case Keenum is expected to begin the season as the starting signal-caller and therefore should see the most action against the Broncos starter. He is limited athletically and could have a tough time against a great Broncos defense. Goff could see plenty of work as well as he needs experience, while Sean Mannion is the other quarterback on the team and could also see action.
Coaching History
Broncos coach Gary Kubiak is 22-15 as a head coach in the preseason. In his second season as the head coach in Denver, Kubiak is 1-1 so far. He finished the preseason 3-1 last year before coaching his team to a Super Bowl win.
Rams coach Jeff Fisher didn’t win a single preseason game with the Rams in St. Louis last year, but is 2-0 in the preseason this year since making the move to LA. The two victories so far in 2016 ties his preseason total for the last three years combined already.
Free ATS Pick
Both teams are trying out their quarterbacks, so there is some balance there, and while the Rams’ defense is good, the Broncos have a great one. Combine that with the home field advantage and it’s clear why the defending champions are the favorites. Rams running back Todd Gurley is a star but he may not get a ton of carries in this one as there is no reason to beat him up so close to the season. This one could be a defensive battle, but the Broncos’ superior starting unit should be enough to lead the team to a low-scoring victory. The “under” and Denver covering could be good plays in this third preseason game in NFL betting.
NFL Odds: Broncos 20, Rams 14
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