Media by Associated Press – Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) behind center during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, September 25, 2022 in Glendale, Ariz. The Rams defeated the Cardinals 20-12. (John Cordes/AP Images for Panini)
The Week 4 NFL matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers will be a good measuring stick for where both teams are in the NFC West race. The 49ers have struggled on offense early in the season, while Los Angeles has bounced back from a crushing opening season loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Here’s a look at three bets to make for this Week 4 NFL matchup.
Los Angeles Rams ML
The defending Super Bowl champion Rams are still looking for a complete performance that indicates they are over their hangover from last season. Los Angeles has struggled with San Francisco recently, losing the past six regular-season matchups. However, in the NFC Championship game last season, the Rams were able to take down the 49ers.
While Los Angeles is 2-1, it hasn’t won a game convincingly this season. The 49ers, though, had a hard time on offense last week with Jimmy Garoppolo under center. Facing another team with a strong defense may be difficult for a San Francisco team still trying to get its act together.
The Rams being +104 is a good chance for bettors to get plus money on a team that may be better than their slow start would indicate. Both teams are looking for a jump start on offense. The Rams rank 25th in the league by gaining 306.3 total yards per game.
More telling for Los Angeles so far has been its mistakes on offense. The Rams have turned the ball over seven times, which is the fourth-worst mark in the NFL.
Cam Akers over 43.5 rushing yards
The Los Angeles running back has seen an increase in usage after hardly being used in the opener. Akers has taken advantage of his opportunities for more playing time. Akers rushed for 61 yards on 12 carries against the Arizona Cardinals last week and scored a touchdown. Seeing the run game continue to improve will be important for the Rams.
Los Angeles is ranked 30th in the league in rushing yards per game so far this season, averaging 72.3 yards per game. The 49ers’ defense has done a good job against the run so far this season, ranking fourth in the league by allowing 78.7 yards per game.
Matthew Stafford over 1.5 touchdown passes
The Rams’ veteran quarterback didn’t look great in Week 1. Stafford completed 70 percent of his passes but threw three interceptions and generally looked uncomfortable against the Bills. Last week against Arizona, Stafford didn’t throw any interceptions for the first time all season.
What Los Angeles hopes is that is the performance that allows Stafford to settle back in. He did throw three touchdowns against the Falcons earlier in the season but was intercepted twice by the Falcons in that game.
Keep up with your latest NFL news coverage and betting pick previews at NJSportsbookReview.com.