The Los Angeles Rams opened as one-point favorites for Sunday afternoon’s matchup with the Denver Broncos, but that line has shifted dramatically, and now the Broncos are favored by three points on the road. Perhaps the combination of the Broncos getting a 24-15 win over Arizona last week and the Rams only managing 12 points in Baker Mayfield’s second start with Los Angeles has inspired the NFL betting community to back the Broncos. Even so, the low point total suggests that this will be a defensive grind. Read on to find our prediction for this Christmas Day matchup.
NFL Preview: Denver Broncos at L.A. Rams (Sunday, December 25)
When: Sunday, December 25, 2022, 4:30 pm ET
Where: SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles
TV: CBS
Radio: ESPN Radio
Live Stream: Sling TV
NFL Odds: Denver -3 / O/U 36.5 // Denver -160 / Los Angeles +135
Why should you bet on the Broncos?
The Broncos finally won last week to end a five-game skid, but a disappointing 3-5 start has still become a 4-10 nightmare to this point, with the Broncos dead last in the AFC West. Denver did beat Arizona last week, but the Cardinals are without starting quarterback Kyler Murray. Denver has not won on the road this season, and this will be a tall order. Russel Wilson will return after spending a couple of weeks in the concussion protocol, but Courtland Sutton (hamstring) is questionable, and Javonte Williams (knee) is out, which removes two key offensive skill players. Randy Gregory (knee) is questionable, and Dakota Allen (hamstring) is out, taking away two key defenders.
Optimism for Denver is based on their defense, which is still one of the top units in the NFL despite the injuries. The fact that Denver is last in the NFL in points, combined with the Rams’ own defensive strengths, could mean a long day for Wilson and the Broncos. Jerry Jeudy is the top receiver remaining, which will make it easy for the Rams to clamp down on him.
Why should you put your money on the Rams?
Few teams have lived up to the moniker “Super Bowl hangover” as closely as the Rams have this year. Losing Odell Beckham Jr to free agency (and injury), as well as Cooper Kupp, has made it difficult, and then losing Matthew Stafford (neck) has sent the Rams’ offense off the table. Since midway through October, the Rams have won exactly one game, and that was the miraculous comeback that Mayfield guided in his first start with the team – on two days’ notice.
The defense is also shorthanded thanks to the absence of Aaron Donald (ankle), who is probably done for the season. There are other All-Pro defenders on the Rams’ roster, but can Baker Mayfield lead the offense more effectively than he did against the Packers? If you like the Rams, you see Mayfield making some poor decisions and forcing passes.
Final Score and Prediction
The Broncos and Rams both have solid defenses – and they have questions on offense. I like Mayfield to bounce back after a rough time in Green Bay, while I think the Rams can stifle Russell Wilson, who has struggled to produce on offense all season. I predict a final score of Los Angeles 20, Denver 13.
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