Wednesday, October 6, 2021
In the NFL's week four, the primetime quarterback matchups did not disappoint—Trevor Lawrence vs. Joe Burrow, and Mac Jones vs. Tom Brady both came down to field goal attempts in the final minute of regulation. The coinciding Streaks contests also went down to the wire, with Blake from Missouri earning 250,000 Streaks Cash by coming in first place on Sunday night with a game score of 575, barely edging out second-place finisher Cottrell, who scored 573 to earn 150,000 Streaks Cash. This week’s Thursday and Sunday night games feature lots of offensive firepower, with the two highest over/under predictions by oddsmakers on this week’s slate.
Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks (Thu – 8:20 ET) |
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Quarterbacks Matthew Stafford and Russell Wilson rank 3rd and 1st respectively in passer rating this season, and both have top-end receiving options, so look for this game to be won through the air. So far, trading Jared Goff for Stafford looks to be a great move that could get the Rams back to the Super Bowl. However, after starting 3-0, the Rams hit a brick wall last week, losing to the Cardinals at home. They will try to get back on track by outscoring the Seahawks, who have given up the fifth-most passing yards in the league. Rams' wideout Cooper Kupp leads all receivers in fantasy points this season with a combo of 431 yards and 5 touchdowns. With Robert Woods, DeSean Jackson, and emerging second-year option Van Jefferson, the Rams are looking to reclaim their old moniker of “The Greatest Show on Turf.”
With Russell Wilson behind center, the Seahawks have a chance to keep pace. The Rams have given up the eighth-most passing yards this season, so they are vulnerable in the secondary despite the presence of star cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Ramsey will have to guard Tyler Lockett or DK Metcalf, while the other will be left to make plays. The Rams have also given up 123 rushing yards per game so far, so Seahawks’ running back Chris Carson will be used to keep them off balance. The Rams should be able to move the ball on the ground as well, as the Seahawks have given up 152 rushing yards per game, most in the league. Lace up your sneakers because this one could turn into a track meet.
Spread: Rams favored by 2.5 points
Over/under: 54.5
Preview Question: What will be the longest passing play in the game?
While it is tempting to think there will be bombs galore in this game, both defenses will prioritize keeping the play in front of them. CB Jalen Ramsey will most likely guard DK Metcalf, letting slot receiver Tyler Lockett run slants and pick up consistent 10-20 yard gains. For the Rams, DeSean Jackson is always a deep threat, though he's only broken free for a big play once so far this season. The Rams' number one target is Cooper Kupp, also a slot receiver, so both teams should find more success with underneath routes than going over the top.
Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs (Sun – 8:20 ET)
This is a rematch of last year's AFC championship game which the Chiefs won 38-24, and at 4:1 and 2:1 odds respectively, the Bills and Chiefs are the current favorites to win the AFC this year. Expect a lot of offense again in this game, as the teams are tied for second-most points scored this season with 134 each. Josh Allen has yet to beat Patrick Mahomes in his career, but the Bills defense has been downright dominant this season, giving up a paltry 216 yards and 11 points per game. This week those numbers will go up as they try to slow down the high-flying Chiefs offense. Tyreke Hill and Travis Kelce torched them in last year's championship game when they combined for 290 receiving yards. A big factor will be the availability of Bills' free safety Jordan Poyer, who missed last week with an ankle injury. Poyer and Micah Hyde have a chance to prove that they are the best safety tandem in the league this week if they can keep the Chiefs' passing attack at bay.
The Chiefs have looked vulnerable so far this year, with losses against the Ravens and Chargers already. Last year they only lost two games in the entire regular season. The concern has been their defense, which has given up 125 points through the first four weeks, the second-most in the league. Their defensive line has given up the third-most rushing yards to opponents so far (146 per game), and their secondary has had numerous communication errors, leading to busted coverages that are easy to exploit. The Chiefs bet that they can just outscore other teams, but that becomes more difficult against the Bills' defense. However, the Chiefs are at home and looking for a bounce-back game to reclaim their status as AFC favorites.
Spread: Chiefs favored by 2.5 points Over/under: 56.5 |
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