The two most famous quarterbacks in the Monday Night Football matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers will be on the bench. While Jared Goff and Colin Kaepernick might be getting the publicity, it will be Case Keenum and Blaine Gabbert who help decide the result in Week 1 of the regular season.
Kaepernick is a lightning rod of controversy in the NFL for his decision to not stand during the National Anthem, but will only be the backup behind Gabbert. Goff was the No. 1 overall pick but didn’t win the starting job in the preseason.
The 49ers are expected to be among the worst teams in the NFL this year, but have a chance to win their opener. San Francisco is at home and is only a slight underdog.
This matchup in Week 1 of the regular season will take place on Monday, September 12, 2016, at 10:20 p.m. ET at Levi’s Stadium.
NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Rams -2.5
49ers +2.5
Over/Under 43.5
Odds Analysis
The money is coming in on the Rams to cover the spread, and it’s incentivized since a win by a field goal would result in a cover. The “under” is the heavy favorite according to the current bets, as more than 91 percent of wagers believe the scoring total won’t be hit.
The 49ers would pay out at +125 on the money line, and is being bet on at 63 percent as that’s a nice return for a home team going against a weak quarterback.
Injury Report
Bruce Ellington -- The 49ers were already short on offensive weapons and lost their expected slot receiver for the season due to a hamstring injury. They traded for Jeremy Kerley and he could step in and fill that role, but the absence of Ellington will be felt.
Pharoh Cooper -- The Rams are similarly low on weapons at wide receiver and are also expected to be without a talented young. Cooper, a rookie who flashed his potential during the preseason, suffered a significant shoulder injury and is expected to miss this game.
Player to Watch
Rams running back Todd Gurley. There isn’t much star power on the field, but Gurley is a potential game-breaker as he heads into his second season.
Even though he was slowed while returning from an ACL at the beginning of 2015, Gurley still finished the year with 1,106 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. He averaged 4.8 yards per carry and showed enough for observers to believe he’s on the cusp of superstardom.
The 49ers’ strength on defense is their line, and this will be a great opening test. The Rams would love to establish the run behind Gurley, and the team that wins this matchup will have a leg up in capturing the victory.
Free ATS Pick
The Rams have more overall talent than the 49ers, but with the powerhouse Seattle Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals in the NFC West, it will be tough sledding to make the playoffs. The most likely scenario would be Los Angeles sneaking in as a wild card, but in order to be in contention it must win games like this.
The 49ers don’t seem to have a prayer of making the postseason, but can at least start well with a win. If San Francisco can pull off the upset, running back Carlos Hyde and Gabbert must help the offense move the chains enough.
While neither team is great, the home field advantage will help San Francisco in this one. The defense improved as last season went on, and holding Gurley in check will be paramount. Expect the 49ers to be solid defensively, which will allow for not only a cover but an upset win.
NFL Odds: 49ers 20, Rams 17
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