Rams at Steelers Odds & Picks
- Odds: Rams -3.5
- Over/Under: 44
- Kickoff: 4:25 p.m. ET
- TV Channel: FOX
Odds as of Thursday evening and via PointsBet, where Action Network users can access an exclusive promotion to get a 200% deposit match (deposit $50, bet with $150).
The Los Angeles Rams are 3.5-point road favorites for Sunday's clash with the Pittsburgh Steelers with more than 70% of bettors backing Jared Goff and Co. to cover. But is that the best betting edge in this game?
Our experts analyze every angle of the matchup, featuring a comparison to Sean Koerner's projected odds and a staff pick.
Rams-Steelers Injury Report
Which team is healthier? Neither
The Steelers are expected to be without James Conner (shoulder), leaving Jaylen Samuels to see another increased workload. He was heavily utilized in the passing game last week, catching 13-of-13 targets while seeing eight carries.
It's also worth noting that running backs Benny Snell (knee) and Trey Edmunds are banged up.
The Rams are expected to get linebacker Clay Matthews (jaw) back this week, but they’ll be without Brandin Cooks while he visits a specialist for his concussion, so they'll roll out Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods and Josh Reynolds in 3-WR sets. — Justin Bailey
Note: Info as of Thursday. See our Injury Report for daily practice participation and game statuses up until kickoff.
Biggest Mismatch
Steelers Pass Rush vs. Rams Offensive Line
As I've mentioned many times in these previews and on our NFL podcast, the biggest weakness of this Rams team is their offensive line. They had some attrition in the interior during the offseason and the quality of play at both tackle positions has deteriorated.
Per Football Focus, the Rams' offensive line ranks dead last in pass blocking efficiency, having allowed the second-most pressures and most hurries in the league. Not great.
It's one of the primary reasons their offense has taken such a significant step back. And the problem is magnified by the fact that Jared Goff is not a mobile quarterback and struggles immensely under pressure as he needs time to set his feet and a clean pocket to complete his mechanical throwing motion.
This could become a problem an issue once again in a hostile environment on Sunday against a dominant defensive front that ranks second in the NFL in adjusted sack rate, trailing only the undefeated 49ers.
Pittsburgh's defensive front obviously helps out the secondary as the two are inter-connected, but the secondary has also played much better since the arrival of Minkah Fitzpatrick, who shored up the safety spot and can do so many different things on defense. It also won’t hurt that the Rams will likely be without Cooks on the outside. — Stuckey
Sean Koerner's Projected Odds
- Projected Spread: Rams -3.5
- Projected Total: 44
There may have been some value on the total when it opened at 45, but it's been bet down to my projection.
This game is a pass for me. — Sean Koerner
Expert Picks
Stuckey: Under 44
Let's keep this simple: I think the Steelers' defensive front can get enough pressure on a consistent basis to stymie this Rams offense. And remember it's a different caliber of defense on the back end since Fitzpatrick arrived in the Steel City.
Plus, the Rams most likely won't have the services of Cooks, which really limits the explosiveness of their offense.
Speaking of limited explosiveness, that’s exactly how I’d describe the Pitt offense with Mason Rudolph at the helm. It's a lot of running and plenty of short, easy passes that keep the clock bleeding.
I'm splitting the game under 44 (like it down to 43) and the first-half under 21.5 (like it down to 21). [In New Jersey? Bet now at PointsBet]
