The Detroit Lions will face the Los Angeles Rams to help kick off Week 7. It's time to continue our NFL odds series and make a Lions-Rams prediction and pick.
Finally, the Jared Goff (and Matthew Stafford) revenge game that the NFL world has been waiting on. In all seriousness, this game will be overlooked by the vast majority of NFL fans. However, this should be a somewhat entertaining matchup. The Lions are the best 0-6 team in recent memory, as they've suffered through three losses by one possession, with two of those coming by two points. Detroit is a better team than anyone gives them credit for, but it's just they're luck they face the Rams here. Los Angeles has been dominant in every facet of the game this season. There's a reason head coach Sean McVay's team only has one loss. Despite the clear talent gap between these teams, this game should be an entertaining one.
Here's how the bookmakers have set the lines for Sunday's game.
NFL Odds: Lions-Rams Odds
Detroit Lions +16.5 (-110), +750 ML
Los Angeles Rams -16.5 (-110), -2000 ML
Over 50.5 points (-110)
Under 50.5 points (-110)
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Why The Lions Can Cover The Spread
The Lions have a penchant for making games closer than they should be. In Week 1, Detroit managed to put together consecutive scores and earn a backdoor cover in a game that was previously a complete blowout. Head coach Dan Campbell's team also pulled off a cover against a double-digit spread against the Minnesota Vikings, as well as nearly winning outright against the Baltimore Ravens. This team is far better than their record shows, and they fight to the very end of every game. That's often enough to earn a cover when the spread is as big as this one is.
Throughout Sean McVay's tenure as the Rams head coach, Los Angeles has been prone to coming out flat in games that should be easy wins for them. It happened in 2020 in a loss to the New York Jets, and happened again this season against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2. The Rams should win this game easily, but it seems like the exact type of game where Los Angeles plays down to their competition. They're coming off of a blowout victory and they have another poor opponent next week. It's easy to see the Rams falling into a lull in the first half, which should be enough for the Lions to cover a two-touchdown spread.
Why The Rams Can Cover The Spread
The Lions deserve credit for hanging around in their games, but that doesn't change the fact that they just aren't a very talented team. They've also been ravaged with injuries, mainly on the offensive line. Star center Frank Ragnow is out for the season, and starting left tackle Taylor Decker is currently on injured reserve. What was once a strength has become a weakness, and the Rams are perfectly suited to capitalize on that weakness. Los Angeles has amassed nine sacks over their last three contests, including four against the New York Giants in Week 6. This Detroit offensive line has become comparable to New York's, so opposing quarterback Jared Goff should be under siege all day. Rams fans know just how bad Goff is under pressure, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Lions' offense struggle mightily in this one.
Detroit's defense has had some moments in the spotlight, but they aren't a strong unit. They've allowed more than 30 points in half the games they've played, and they haven't yet faced an opponent as explosive as the Rams. Injuries have forced the Lions to start rookie cornerback Amani Oruwariye as their best corner, with undrafted rookie Jerry Jacobs starting on the other side. Impact pass-rusher Romeo Okwara is also out with an injury, taking away Detroit's best defensive player. This is a terrible unit, so the Rams shouldn't have any trouble putting up points against them.
Final Lions-Rams Prediction & Pick
If Detroit was fully healthy, they would be an easy pick in this spot. Injuries and general talent level make the Rams the best pick on the board here, so lock in Los Angeles confidently.
FINAL LIONS-RAMS PREDICTION & PICK: Los Angeles Rams -16.5 (-110)
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