The Los Angeles Rams sneaked up on the NFL a year ago, making the playoffs despite low expectations. That won’t be the case this year as they are among the projected contenders in the NFC and have an over-under win total set in the double digits.
The Rams had the best offense in the NFL in last year’s regular season and return most of the key pieces. They made some big moves on defense as well and on paper look like a team that could make a Super Bowl run. Los Angeles also has a talented coach in Sean McVay so everything seems to be setting up for a special season.
The win total is high so the Rams must be able to avoid key injuries in order to live up to their billing in NFL wagering.
Los Angeles Rams Opening Futures Odds at BookMaker.eu
Rams Over 10 Wins -124
Rams Under 10 Wins +103
2018 Rams Offense Preview
Quarterback Jared Goff had a rough rookie season but turned it around last year, leading the way as the Rams almost averaged 30 points per game. The group fell flat in the playoffs but will aim to grow from that experience.
Los Angeles also has star running back Todd Gurley, who was recently inked to a big money extension and should be a focal point for a long time. The Rams lost standout wide receiver Sammy Watkins in free agency but made up for it by adding Brandin Cooks to the fold. He should have a solid season but is far from the only aerial option, as Cooper Kupp is a player who is already turning heads early in his career.
The Rams have a talented offensive line that stayed remarkably healthy last season and will aim for continued health in 2018. The Los Angeles should put up big numbers as long as injuries don’t slow it down.
2018 Rams Defense Preview
Los Angeles was solid on defense a year ago and should be even better in 2018. It added cornerbacks Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib as well as standout defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. The Rams also boast reigning Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald at defensive tackle.
However, Donald is currently holding out because he is unhappy with his contract and it is unknown when there will be a resolution. Donald might be the biggest defensive game-wrecker in the NFL and it is a situation to monitor closely. He held out last year but did end up reporting right before the start of the regular season and a lack of training camp did not affect his performance.
2018 Los Angeles Rams Schedule Analysis
The 2018 slate is not easy, which is not a surprise after the Rams won the NFC West a season ago. There is an early-season stretch that looks especially daunting.
From Weeks 3 through 11, the Rams face in succession the Los Angeles Chargers and Minnesota Vikings at home, the Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos and San Francisco 49ers on the road, the Green Bay Packers at home, the New Orleans Saints on the road, the Seattle Seahawks at home and the Kansas City Chiefs at home.
That is a lot of talent so the Rams must hit on all cylinders early on in order to live up to expectations and surpass 10 victories.
The Final Verdict
There is no doubt the Rams have a solid collection of talent. They are the favorites to win the NFC West and it would not be a surprise if they built on last year’s impressive showing and made a Super Bowl push. However, the schedule is not easy and the team was blessed with barely any injuries a year ago.
This season could be more of a slog, as reaching 10 wins in the NFL is never easy. Take the “under” on the Rams as they should finish with nine or ten wins in 2018.
NFL Odds: Los Angeles Rams Under 10 Wins ( +103 )
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