Here we go with NFL Preseason Week 2, breaking down the Rams vs. Texans predictions, odds, and picks for Friday, Aug. 19.
The Rams won their first preseason game 29-22 over the Chargers. Meanwhile, Houston also tallied a victory by beating the Saints 17-13.
One of these teams will suffer their first preseason loss of 2022 on Friday, and we’ll outline what to expect with our Rams vs. Texans predictions for Friday evening.
Texans vs. Rams Predictions
For my NFL preseason Week 2 predictions, I’ll be placing these wagers at DraftKings Sportsbook.
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Rams vs. Texans Odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texans | -2 (-110) | -135 | O 38.5 (-110) |
| @ Rams | +2 (-110) | +115 | U 38.5 (-110) |
Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook as of 4 p.m. ET on Aug. 18.
Game Info
- Date: Friday, Aug. 19
- Time: 10 p.m. ET
- Location: SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, CA)
- TV: NFL Network — View the full NFL Preseason TV schedule here.
Rams vs. Texans Trends
Let’s take a look at some relevant betting trends for the Rams vs. Texans as well as the NFL preseason in general:
- The Rams won their first preseason game 29-22 against the Chargers.
- The Texans won their first preseason game 17-13 against the Saints.
- LA Rams HC Sean McVay has a 7-9 record in the preseason. That includes 0-3 last year.
- Underdogs are 53.5% against the spread in the NFL preseason in the previous ten years.
- As of Thursday afternoon, DraftKings reports that 83% of betting tickets are on the Rams against the spread. However, 70% of the money is backing the Texans.
- DraftKings also reports that 75% of betting tickets and 93% of the money support the Over.
- The Over is 14-3 in preseason games after Week 1.
All Backups For The Rams
The Texans are favored by two? Over the Super Bowl Champions? I don’t care if it’s preseason, that’s a shocking visual for NFL fans.
We already know Rams HC Sean McVay doesn’t play his starters in the preseason. That won’t change in this Week 2 matchup with the Texans.
So what should we expect from the Rams? Consider these points:
- John Wolford (2nd string QB) will play the first half. Bryce Perkins (3rd string QB) will play the second half.
- Perkins impressed last week with 133 passing yards and 2 TDs. He also had 39 rush yards and a score.
- Perkins is a confident dual-threat QB. That mold usually thrives in the chaos of preseason.
- The Rams rested several 2nd-string players last week as well as the starters. That strategy could continue.
All in all, that’s why the reigning Super Bowl champs are listed as underdogs against one of the worst teams in the NFL. The Rams aren’t playing their starters, and their second stringers (outside of Wolford) may only see a few snaps if any at all. Still, that didn’t keep them from snagging a victory against the Chargers last week.
Texans Starters Will Play A ‘Bit More’
The Texans played their starters last week. It wasn’t much, but they actually did roll out their first team for the opening offensive series.
We could see something similar on Friday. Maybe the starters get the nod for two series instead of one, but they’ll still [probably] see limited time according to this quote from head coach Lovie Smith:
#Texans Lovie Smith said they’ll play guys a little bit more on Friday, but the 3rd preseason game is when he expects a lot more time for the starters. pic.twitter.com/E8v0oNk60N
— Adam Wexler (@AdamJWexler) August 17, 2022
The starters only saw around 5-7 snaps in Week 1, so don’t get your hopes up when you hear they’ll play “a little more”.
Expect QB Jeff Driskel, who threw two touchdowns and three interceptions in extended work last week, to see the majority of the time at quarterback once again. Yes, he engineered a game-winning drive against the Saints last weekend, but three interceptions in a preseason game isn’t great form, to say the least.
MORE: Matt Perrault is 12-2 betting the NFL Preseason. Check out his three preseason bets for Friday.
Rams vs. Texans Predictions
I don’t really care that the Texans may play their starters for two drives instead of one. That doesn’t move the needle in my book.
When it comes to the preseason, I’m usually siding with the underdog unless I see an obvious advantage (on several levels) with the favored team. After all, the underdogs have covered at a 53% clip in the preseason over the last 10 years.
After a strong performance last week, there’s some hype surrounding Rams QB Bryce Perkins. Is that enough to put some heat on QB2 John Wolford? Either way, both signal-callers are set to prove they belong on the depth chart behind Matthew Stafford. This could be a backup QB battle, which is ultimately good for the Rams’ chances in this game.
I know this is going to be the ‘public bet’ due to the labels of these two teams (and the trends we received from DraftKings — listed earlier), but give me the Rams in this one.
Prediction: Rams +2 | -110 at DraftKings Sportsbook
More NFL Preseason Week 2 Picks
Patriots vs. Panthers Predictions & Odds – NFL Preseason Week 2
Saints vs. Packers Predictions & Odds – NFL Preseason Week 2
Remember To Grab Your $200 In Free Bets
New to DraftKings Sportsbook? Then take advantage of this outstanding welcome offer:
Simply bet $5+ on any NFL or NCAAF game and get $200 in free bets instantly.
This promotion expires on Sept. 19 – so act now!
Tackle this special offer through our exclusive link OR click the image below.
