After a quick 2-0 start, the Los Angeles Rams will fly back East to take on the Buffalo Bills in what should be a shootout. Both teams are entering Week 3 at 2-0, so this will be a test for each team. The Rams are coming off a blowout 37-19 win over the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 2, while the Bills won a competitive game against the Miami Dolphins with a score of 27-17. Buffalo beat two of their AFC East rivals in back-to-back games and will be tested against a surging Rams’ offense.
Los Angeles Rams
There is nothing better than a 2-0 start to a season with a new stadium, logo, color spread, and brand. The Rams’ success is shown by their offensive stats, led by quarterback Jared Goff. While Goff went 20-31 for 275 yards and a touchdown in Week 1, he bounced back and threw three touchdowns with 267 yards in Week 2. Rookie running back Cam Akers is ruled out with a rib injury, so look for Darrell Henderson Jr. and Malcolm Brown to split the carries in the backfield.
Tight end Tyler Higbee is having himself a solid season thus far and not just for fantasy football managers. He caught all three of Goff’s touchdowns in Week 2 and three receptions for 40 yards in Week 1. Expect him to be heavily utilized against a tough, but short-handed Bills’ defense among its linebacker core. Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp play a huge part of the offense in the slot and wideout, so the Rams should have a solid, offensive game.
Similar to its offense, the Rams’ defense has shown its ability to keep up and dominate offensive lines despite losing several key players. They hold down offenses to an average of 18 points per game, which shows their ability to take charge and put some pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Despite not sacking Carson Wentz in Week 2, they did pick him off twice by defending tight end Zach Ertz and blitzing Wentz for extra pressure in the pocket. However, Los Angeles will have a bigger challenge this week. The Bills have one of the league’s best receiving corps and a red hot Josh Allen. Jalen Ramsey can focus his attention on Stefon Diggs, but this will give Cole Beasley and John Brown more opportunities.
Buffalo Bills
Similar to the Rams, Buffalo is also facing a big test. The Bills were projected to defeat the Dolphins and the New York Jets due to the issues within their respective defensive units. However, the Rams are almost the opposite. Any defense led by Aaron Donald and Ramsey is one to be more cautious and aware of. There is a silver lining for Buffalo. While the Rams only give up an average of 18 points per game, the numbers do not tell the entire story. In Week 1, the Dallas Cowboys played with a conservative game plan in the second half.
The Eagles’ targets are aging, which evidently forced them to run two-tight end options (uncommon in today’s game). However, Buffalo has speed across its offense from Diggs to T.J. Yeldon (Zack Moss is out for Week 3) and even Allen behind center. This could give the Rams some difficulty for four quarters.
Defensively, the Bills face a similar issue due to key injuries in their lineup. Linebackers Matt Milano, Tremaine Edmunds, and cornerback Taron Johnson are listed as questionable for Week 3, which would seriously affect Buffalo’s ability to cover Higbee and blitz Goff. If neither player is able to suit up, expect the Rams to target down the middle of the field with their speedy receivers. Expect the Rams to get more creative on offense to beat the Bills’ interior defense. This will be a very close game, but the Bills have to put pressure on Goff and defend the running game and slant routes down the middle.
Game Info
Date: September 27th, 2020
Start Time: 10:00 AM PST
Location: Orchard Park, NY
Stadium: Bills Stadium
TV Info: FOX
Betting Odds Sponsored by Jazz Sportsbook
Points Spread: LAR +2 (-110) | BUF -2 (-110)
Moneyline: LAR +105 | BUF -135
Over/Under: O 47.5 (-110) | U 47.5 (-110)
This game is expected to be a shootout due to both teams’ success on offense and defense. Therefore, taking the over is a smart move due to the success of Allen and Goff so far. Rams coach Sean McVay will have to be very creative on offense to give the Rams that extra edge. In other words, bettors will have some thinking to do before they place a bet on either team with a potential shootout.
Prediction
Both teams will fight until the last second with strong leadership and talent on both offense and defense. With key defenders potentially not suiting up on Sunday, the Bills could struggle against a talented and versatile Rams offense. However, Allen’s legs and arm strength give his team that extra edge over Los Angeles. The Bills will win this game by under a touchdown.
Final Score: Los Angeles Rams 27, Buffalo Bills 32
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Main Credit Image: Embed from Getty Images
