Sunday afternoon features a matchup of undefeated teams as the Los Angeles Rams (2-0) travel to Bills Stadium to take on the Buffalo Bills (2-0). Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 PM Eastern.
The Rams come into this game after back-to-back impressive wins over the Cowboys (20-17) and the Eagles (37-19). In their last game against Philadelphia, quarterback Jared Goff threw for 267 yards and three touchdowns, all to tight end Tyler Higbee. Goff and the Rams will look to keep it going Sunday.
For the Bills, they were able to squeak out a 31-28 win last week over the struggling Miami Dolphins, but it took everything they had to do so. In the victory, quarterback Josh Allen was quite impressive, throwing for 415 yards and four scores.
According to FanDuel, the Bills come into this one as the slight favorite playing at home. Their moneyline sits at -126 while the Rams are at +108. The spread comes in featuring the Rams +1.5, and the over/under for total points is at 46.5.
By The Numbers
After two weeks, these are two of the best offensive teams in the league thus far. The Bills currently rank sixth overall in points per game at 29 while the Rams sit in eighth, averaging 28.5.
Defensively, it is the Rams who hold the advantage. They currently rank third in points allowed per game at 18. The Bills fall to 14th, allowing an average of 22.5 points per game.
Rams Looking Like Dominant Force
It feels so far past, but the Rams were competing in the Super Bowl just two years ago. After a bit of a Super Bowl hangover last season, they are off to a strong start this year.
Part of their success has come from improved play from Goff. After signing a massive contract extension, Goff was inconsistent and drew criticism for his play. However, through two games this year, Goff has completed 40 of 58 passes (69%) for 542 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. For the Rams to compete for a title again, he will need to continue to perform at a high level.
While Goff has done a satisfactory job of spreading the ball around (six players had two or more catches last week), he has found his security blanket in tight end, Tyler Higbee. Last week, Higbee had five catches for 54 yards and three scores. Expect him to be a significant part of the offense again this week.
On the ground, this week will likely be a heavy dose of Darrell Henderson. Rookie Cam Akers suffered a rib injury in Week 2, and it was Henderson who was the beneficiary. He rushed 12 times for 81 yards and a touchdown while also adding two catches for another 40 yards.
Bills Look to Get Defense Back In Check
Last season, the Bills were second in the league in points allowed per game at 16.5. It is understandable why expectations were high for another monster year from the defense. If last week’s win over the Dolphins, where they allowed 28 points, is any indication, they still have work to do.
Offensively, Allen has been one of the best quarterbacks in the league through two weeks. He is 57 for 81 (70.4%) for 727 yards, six touchdowns, and no interceptions. The addition of Stefon Diggs and the emergence of John Brown have provided Allen with prolific downfield threats to stretch opposing defenses.
Devin Singletary will be the primary running back after Zack Moss was ruled out with a toe injury. Singletary only had 56 yards on ten carries last week, but expect his usage to increase dramatically.
Taking Rams And The Points
While it’s still early in the year, this will be a defining week for both teams. The Rams and Bills have been playing well, but which team is going to be able to take out the other powerhouse?
Both defenses can be stellar, and their offenses are capable of putting up points in bunches. With this being such an even matchup, I am inclined to go with the upset. For this game, that means taking the Rams plus one-and-a-half points on the road.