This week the Rams and 49ers will continue the hunt for a playoff birth, both of them taking on tough opponents in Arizona. That is correct; the 49ers were kicked out of Santa Clara due to an abrupt and weird decision to ban contact sports, including the NFL games. Therefore, not only will the Rams take on the Cardinals in Arizona, but the next night the 49ers will be taking on the Bills in the same stadium.
Rams @ Cardinals
Spread: LAR -3
Total Points 48.5
Moneyline: LAR -157 | ARI +138
While I predicted the 49ers to keep the game close and give a surprise performance last week against the Rams, I do believe that this week the Rams come back with a big win. Due to that loss against the 49ers, this line has opened much smaller than it would have. Following the loss in New England, it seems that doubts are starting to arise about Kyler Murray. Those doubts will be amplified when this Rams’ secondary shuts him down.
You need to do two things to compete with the Rams. First, you need to be able to run the football, and second, you need to be able to play defense. The 49ers did those things, and the Cardinals cannot do those things. I like the Rams’ spread, Moneyline, and the under on the total points for this matchup.
Chargers vs. Patriots
Spread: LAC -1
Total Points 47
Moneyline: LAC -107 | NE -107
I guess I will have to repeat myself for pretty much the entire season; Anthony Lynn should not be a head coach. Justin Herbert will have to win this matchup in spite of Anthony Lynn, and I think that the oddsmakers are dead on when they chose the -1 spread. I do not believe that there is any real value to be had on either side. Herbert and the entire Chargers’ roster match up very well with the Patriots, especially with Ekeler and Bosa back. However, the coaching difference between the greatest of all time, Bill Belichick, and Anthony Lynn is astronomical. If forced to choose, I will take Herbert’s ability and the talent on the Chargers’ defense, but it does not feel good.
49ers Vs Bills
Spread: SF: +2.5
Total Points: 48
Moneyline: SF +130 | BUF -148
As previously mentioned, I thought that the 49ers matched up well against the Rams. That is not the case with the Bills. Josh Allen will be able to tear up the 49ers’ secondary, and this game will not be close. I am not sure how this game has opened at +2.5 for the 49ers, and I Imagine that this game shifts close to +4 or +5 by game time, purely based on public money going heavy on the Bills. The Rams game was a one-off. The Bills should take this one with ease.