The Los Angeles Rams accomplished plenty last season, posting their first winning record, playoff appearance and division title in over a decade. Sean McVay earned coach of the year honors by leading a remarkable turnaround, taking a franchise that was last in scoring the year before he arrived and making them first in 2017. But the price of success is steep. Offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur left and Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald is holding out. Still, the Rams had a busy offseason with hopes of taking advantage of a championship window that’s wide open. They take on the Baltimore Ravens Thursday in Week 1 of the NFL preseason.
This Week 1 NFL preseason matchup will go down Thursday, August 9, 2018, at 7:30 p.m. ET at MT Bank Stadium.
NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Los Angeles Rams +3
Baltimore Ravens -3
Over/Under 36
Odds Analysis
The teams held joint practices ahead of Thursday’s tilt so there won’t be many secrets once the teams take the field. The Ravens have a game under their belt after beating Chicago in Canton last week. They opened as a 2-point favorite but lost ATS when the Bears scored late for the backdoor cover. Baltimore gives the standard field goal for home field advantage with an average total of 36.
Quarterback Rotation
McVay hinted that some of his regulars might not play on Thursday, and that includes Jared Goff. However, according to the coach, the decision hinges on how well the joint practice session goes and if Goff and the rest of the offense get the work they need. The circumstances are a bit different heading into 2018 after Goff transformed the Rams into the highest scoring team in the NFL.
The Rams have a capable backup in Sean Mannion, who excelled last preseason. The Oregon State product threw for 490 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions in three exhibition games. Brandon Allen will also get some snaps as the team’s No. 3 quarterback.
Despite what the media is saying, there is no quarterback controversy in Baltimore. After sitting out the Hall of Fame game, Joe Flacco will get a series or two with the No. 1 offense. Robert Griffin III is still in the mix and he had a nice outing last week throwing for 58 yards and a touchdown in his five series. He failed to get the Ravens in the endzone after a turnover gave them the ball inside the Bears 10-yard line.
Lamar Jackson showed he needs more work before he’s ready to compete for the starting job, or even the backup role. Playing the entire second half last week, Jackson completed just 4 of 10 passes for 33 yards with a touchdown and a pick. Jackson will continue to get some work and will likely play the second half against the Rams.
Coaching History
McVay is getting what he needs for his team from the joint practice sessions with the Ravens, and it’s doubtful he’s going with his regulars on Thursday. The Rams had a lot to prove at this time last year and they opened by winning their first two exhibition games. Coming off a NFC West title and playoff appearance, preseason goals have changed.
John Harbaugh owns one of the better preseason records among current coaches and the Ravens are on a heater after taking the Hall of Fame game. They extended their preseason winning streak to nine last week, but snapped a string of nine straight covers. Harbaugh is 29-12 overall in preseason games.
Free ATS Pick
The Rams know what they have and winning during the preseason isn’t going to change their ultimate goal. McVay hinted that most of his regulars on both sides of the ball wouldn’t play on Thursday, giving the Ravens a head start.
We will also see some of Baltimore’s starters for a bit at the start and Flacco is expected to make his preseason debut. Having already played a game is another big edge in favor of the home team. Look for the Ravens to tighten things up after committing two turnovers and allowing eight sacks to the Bears. That should give them more opportunities to score and the over is the right play in that scenario.
NFL Odds: Ravens 23, Rams 17
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