Jared Goff might be the quarterback of the future for the Los Angeles Rams, but it’s not looking as if he will be the signal-caller of the present. The No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft is running second string behind Case Keenum and figures to stay there.
If that’s the case, Goff may see some time in Week 4 of the preseason against the Minnesota Vikings. He has struggled in his first few games and may not be much help to the Rams.
This Week 4 preseason matchup will be held on Thursday, September 1, 2016, at 8 p.m. ET at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Rams +4
Vikings -4
Over/Under 36.5
Odds Analysis
The Vikings are a pretty big favorite considering it is the fourth preseason game where the starters stay on the sideline to avoid getting injured. Even so, the majority of gamblers are riding them as Minnesota has been impressive with a 3-0 record thus far during the exhibition schedule. The over-under of 36.5 points is lower than most of the other contests and the “under” is still getting the majority of the play.
Quarterback Rotation
Keep an eye out to see if Goff will get some of the work in the game. While he is inexperienced, this is a good opportunity to show off his ability.
Goff is 16-of-33 for 165 yards with a touchdown and an interception on the season. He is still learning the offense and the NFL as a whole, so there were bound to be growing pains.
Third-string quarterback Sean Mannion should see some snaps against the Vikings. He is 24-of-37 for 190 yards with three touchdowns and an interception during the preseason.
The Vikings won’t send starter Teddy Bridgewater out there for the game as they are more interested in keeping him healthy. Minnesota’s main option could be Joel Stave.
Stave is 19-of-33 for 209 yards with an interception on the season. The Vikings also have Shaun Hill on the roster but he is a veteran who doesn’t need the work as much. Hill is 17-of-25 for 192 yards through the first three games, so if he plays he could give a boost to the team.
Coaching History
Rams coach Jeff Fisher has a record of 37-38 during his preseason career. Fisher had a losing record in each of the previous three preseasons, including an 0-4 mark a year ago, but the team has bounced back with a pair of wins thus far in 2016.
Vikings coach Mike Zimmer is an impressive 11-1 in the preseason. His shiny record is a big reason why Minnesota is a heavy favorite by fourth preseason game standards. Zimmer went 4-0 in his first preseason at the helm, 4-1 last year and is now 3-0. He could pull off the rare feat of four wins in three straight preseasons by knocking off the Rams.
Free ATS Pick
While Zimmer’s record is hard to ignore, Goff could be the X-Factor in this matchup. If he plays, he will have the best arm on the field and will be going against a collection of backups.
Goff has not been impressive in the preseason, but if given enough time he has the raw talent to put together an impressive outing. The Vikings will sit all of their stars on defense so their usually-stout unit could be vulnerable.
Watch Goff’s playing time closely, because if Fisher announces substantial time for his rookie, it could swing the outcome for the Rams, who are the choice as Week 4 underdogs.
NFL Odds: Rams 23, Vikings 13
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