The Raiders and Rams are heading in opposite directions. The Rams’ season is spiraling down the toilet, and the Raiders have reeled off three consecutive wins. It also might feel like a home game for the previously California-based Raiders. Las Vegas should get the job done on Thursday night. Will they cover the spread, though? We’ll analyze both teams before sharing our Rams vs. Raiders predictions and best bets.
Rams vs. Raiders Odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raiders | -6 (-110) | -240 | O 44.5 (-110) |
| @ Rams | +6 (-110) | +200 | U 44.5 (-110) |
Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook as of 2:00 a.m. ET on Dec. 7. New to DraftKings? Check out our DraftKings Sportsbook Review to find out how to Bet $5 to win $200.
Game Info
- Date: Thursday, Dec. 8
- Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
- Location: SoFi Stadium – Inglewood, CA
- TV: Amazon
Rams vs. Raiders Trends
- The Raiders opened as 5.5-point favorites on Sunday (12/5) and climbed to 6.0-point favorites by Monday.
- The Rams are 6-13 against the spread in their last 19 games after allowing more than 350 total yards in their previous game.
- Los Angeles is 4-9-1 against the spread in their last 14 games.
- The Rams are 2-6 against the spread in their last eight home games.
- Los Angeles is 0-3-1 against the spread versus a team with a losing record.
- The Raiders are 10-2 against the spread in their last 12 games after accumulating more than 150 rushing yards in their previous game.
- Las Vegas is 5-1 against the spread in their last six games after allowing more than 350 total yards in their previous game.
- The Raiders are 4-1 against the spread in their last five games following an against-the-spread win.
Baker Mayfield Isn’t Saving the Rams
John Wolford went from an estimated non-participant on Monday’s injury report to a limited participant. He’s trending in the right direction to suit up this week. However, the Rams claimed Baker Mayfield on waivers on Tuesday, and he could play this week.
Former No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield was claimed on waivers today by the Los Angeles Rams, per league sources. The Rams now inherit the remaining $1.35 million on Mayfield’s contract. Mayfield is expected to fly to LA by tonight and could play Thursday night vs. the Raiders. pic.twitter.com/CAIVhY25Nu
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 6, 2022
According to Pro-Football-Reference, Mayfield is 33rd out of 33 qualified quarterbacks in QBR this year. Mayfield was in the basement in QBR despite having D.J. Moore and Christian McCaffrey at his disposal. If he starts for the Rams after having less than two full days to learn the playbook, SoFi Stadium should blast Yakety Sax for all of LA’s offensive plays because it will be a comedy of errors watching Mayfield run an offense with a dearth of playmakers.
Of course, Wolford or Bryce Perkins aren’t going to light up the scoreboard, either. The Rams scored only 10 points in Week 12 against the Chiefs when Perkins started and scored 23 against the Seahawks in Week 13 when Perkins started. Per Football Outsiders, the Rams were 19th in total offense and 28th in passing Defense-Adjusted Value Over Average (DVOA).
The Raiders Have Offensive Starpower
Derek Carr isn’t a world-beater. Still, he’s an above-average signal-caller, and Davante Adams is an unstoppable force facing a team that’s incapable of stopping No. 1 wideouts. Josh Jacobs has also played at an elite level this year and has shined his brightest lately.
The trio has guided the Raiders to third in total offense, third in rushing offense, and second in passing offense DVOA since Week 11. Las Vegas scored 20, 22, 40, and 27 points in the previous four weeks and exceeded 400 yards of offense in their last three games.
As I mentioned in the opener, the Raiders have won three straight games. They’ve beaten the Broncos by six, the Seahawks by six, and the Chargers by seven points. Beating the Broncos wasn’t impressive since, well, they’re the bumbling Broncos. However, wins over the Seahawks and Chargers by six and seven points were notable. The injury-depleted Rams are a less imposing opponent than their last two foes.
Rams vs. Raiders Predictions
The Rams have been mired in a six-game losing streak. They’ve lost by 17, 3, 10, 7, 16, and 4 points since their bye in Week 7. Thus, Los Angeles has an average losing margin of 9.5 points and a median losing margin of 8.5 points during their six-game slide.
Las Vegas’s defense is lousy. Fortunately, LA’s horrendous offense is ill-equipped to take advantage of the favorable matchup. Meanwhile, the Raiders offense is a top-flight unit that can light up the scoreboard. Usually, I’d prefer laying six points with a more well-rounded club. However, the Rams are playing the string out. So, I’m comfortable betting on the Raiders as 6.0-point favorites.
Pick: Raiders -6.0 | -110 at DraftKings Sportsbook
