TNF: Raiders @ Rams
Best Pick: Rams +6.5
Just when we thought the Rams season couldn’t get any more bizarre, they go out and sign Baker Mayfield. It looks like the Wolford and Perkins experiment is over. The Raiders seem to be getting their footing coming into the matchup on a 3 game win streak. The Rams had to make a change somewhere coming into this matchup on a 6 game losing streak. Could a change of scenery, and a good head coach bring out the best of Baker?
Bobby Wagner and the Rams look to rout the Raiders
Typically this is where I would break down stats to back up the Best Pick. Offensively speaking there is no stat that will back up the Rams covering the 6.5 tonight. Not to mention the Raiders have the best player on the field tonight in Davante Adams.
Both teams come into the matchup majorly hobbled. The Rams are once again without Stafford, Kupp, Donald, and Allen Robinson. Ben Skowronek is on the probable list. The Raiders are coming into the matchup with Josh Jacobs, and Raiders leading tackler Divine Deablo on the questionable list. Raiders also have Renfrow, Anthony Averett, and Rock Ya-Sin out.
The one bright side for the Rams is their rushing defense is a top 10 rushing defense. The Raiders attack with Jacobs on the ground, and Adams in the air. Even if Jacobs is cleared to play tonight, he isn’t in great condition. This should bode well for the Rams defense by forcing Carr to win the game for the Raiders.
It’s very likely that Baker gets the start tonight. This could be the best thing for the Rams offense. Let’s be blunt, the Rams offense hasn’t been good this season. With a QB who has only been in a system for a few days, the system has to be played in its simplest form. If McVay calls a simple game, and challenges his team to be better than the guy across from them, the Rams will be plaing very loosely.
Look. The Rams don’t need to win this game to cover the 6.5. With the off field addition in Baker, Cam Akers getting back in the groove, and having Bobby Wagner on the sideline, the Rams will refuse to roll over. The Rams will fight until the final whistle. That is enough to take the 6.5.
