The Los Angeles Rams were blown out by the Buffalo Bills in Week 1, but they can grab the reins of the NFC West if they beat the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night. The Rams are 2-1 with a win over Arizona, while every other team in the division is currently 1-2. The 49ers are probably going to be the toughest challenge to the defending Super Bowl champions, and they are currently short favorites per the NFL betting odds on MNF.
NFC West rivals will clash on Monday Night Football when the Los Angeles Rams face the San Francisco 49ers to close out Week 4. This game will take place on Monday, October 3, 2022, at 8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN from Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
NFL Week 4 Betting Odds
Los Angeles Rams +1.5
San Francisco 49ers -1.5
Total 41.5
Money Line: Rams +104, 49ers -124
Odds Analysis
There hasn’t been much line movement in this game. San Francisco opened as a two-point favorite by the NFL odds, and the Niners are currently favored by 1.5 points as of early Thursday morning. The total opened at 42 points, and it has risen to 43 points over the last few days.
Los Angeles Rams
Matthew Stafford and the Rams’ offense hasn’t been that great through the first three weeks of the season. Stafford is completing 72.5% of his passes for 7.5 YPA, but he has thrown four touchdowns against five interceptions, and he has already been sacked nine times. That has led to the Rams being ranked 15th in scoring offense (20.3 PPG) and 25th in total offense (306.3 YPG).
Stafford has really missed Odell Beckham Jr. Cooper Kupp is the leading receiver with 28 receptions for 280 yards and three touchdowns, but free agent acquisition Allen Robinson II hasn’t made the impact that was expected. Robinson has caught just seven passes for 88 yards and a score, as Stafford has spent more time throwing to tight end Tyler Higbee and the unheralded Ben Skowronek.
It would help if the Rams could run the ball, but this is one of the worst ground games in the league. The Rams are averaging just 3.4 YPC, and Cam Akers fumbled on the goal line last week. Neither Akers nor Darrell Henderson Jr. has run very well, as this offensive line has been mediocre at best.
The Rams have a middle-of-the-pack defense at the moment after surrendering a lot of yards and points to Buffalo in Week 1. Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey are arguably the two best defensive players in the league though, and they will make their presence felt against a predictable team like San Francisco.
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San Francisco 49ers
Injuries have once again wreaked havoc with San Francisco’s hopes in 2022. Starting quarterback Trey Lance suffered a season-ending injury in Week 2, and top running back Elijah Mitchell is out for two months. Standout left tackle Trent Williams sustained a high ankle sprain in last week’s loss to Denver that will keep him out at least a month, and star tight end George Kittle only recently returned to action last week.
At least the Niners have an experienced signal caller in Jimmy Garoppolo. They decided not to trade him coming into the season, and that turned out to be a great decision considering their only other quarterback on the roster is Mr. Irrelevant Brock Purdy. Garoppolo has completed 31 of 50 passes for 365 yards with two touchdowns and an interception this season, but he isn’t as mobile as Lance, so Kyle Shanahan has had to take RPOs out of this offense.
San Francisco has one of the best defenses in the NFL. The 49ers rank 3rd in scoring defense (12.3 PPG) and 2nd in total defense (227.0 YPG), and they surrender fewer yards per play than any other team in the league. Nick Bosa already has four sacks this season, and the secondary has played better than expected given the absence of Jimmie Ward and Jason Verrett. Second-year safety Talanoa Hufanga is an emerging star, and he has made a big impact through three games.
Rams at 49ers Free Pick
It’s tempting to simply take the Under here, but the Rams are the better bet. San Francisco’s ground game was not the same after Trent Williams was injured last week, and Garoppolo’s limitations as a passer are well known. Stafford will be able to have some success against this secondary, moving the Rams to 3-1.
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