Falcons vs. Rams predictions: Picks for possible shootout in Los Angeles

Our NFL betting expert offers best betting predictions and picks for the Week 2 meeting between the Atlanta Falcons and Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on Sunday at 4:05 p.m. ET on FOX.

The Rams were drilled by the Bills in the opener and looked little like their championship selves with leaky pass protection and a sieve for a secondary. Now the Falcons, in full rebuilding mode, arrive motivated to send Los Angeles to an 0-2 start.

Falcons vs. Rams predictions

Falcons vs Rams picks and analysis

The Rams were outscored 21-0 in the second half of their banner and ring celebration last Thursday, and the Bills dominated most facets of the game.

After the Falcons blew a 16-point lead in the fourth quarter of a Week 1 loss to the Saints, they now face the Rams. Since 2020, the Falcons have lost three times with a two-TD lead in the fourth quarter.

Rams -10 (Caesars)

It’s Week 2 and already the Super Bowl champs are feeling the need to prove themselves. Rams coach Sean McVay took the blame for the team’s dreadful performance in Week 1 so it’s a safe assumption the Rams won’t overlook a double-digit underdog.

If there was something the McVay-Matthew Stafford combo did well last season, it was taking advantage of weaker opponents. All five Rams defeats in 2021 came against playoff teams. Of their 12 victories, six were by double digits, including four in the first eight weeks.

The Rams’ offensive line gave up seven sacks last week and will be missing center Brian Allen (knee). Coleman Shelton will move to center and Tremayne Anchrum takes over at right guard. The line uncertainty could lead to an efficient quick-strike passing attack.

Our Pick: Rams to cover 10 points

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‘Over’ 46.5 total points (Caesars)

The Rams scored a lone touchdown in their season opener, which no doubt means a sense of urgency on offense is ahead. The Rams appeared to force a sub-par rushing attack last week, presumably to keep the Bills’ offense off the field as long as possible.

There should be more running lanes this week, especially after the Falcons allowed 151 yards on the ground vs. the Saints. L.A. wideout Cooper Kupp looks as determined as ever with 13 catches for 128 yards in the opener.

The Falcons rushed for a whopping 201 yards in the opener, with Cordarrelle Patterson getting a career-best 120 of them. Atlanta QB Marcus Mariota put his team in position to win and will have a motivated wideout in Drake London, who is having a homecoming.

Our Pick: Game total over 46.5 points

Player prop pick: Allen Robinson II ‘Over’ 4.5 receptions

Stafford threw 41 passes in the Week 1 defeat and targeted Kupp or tight end Tyler Higbee with 26 of them. When Stafford is under pressure, Kupp and his tight ends, especially Higbee, are his hurry-up options. More pocket time Sunday means a better variety of targets.

The Rams have high hopes for wideout Allen Robinson II, yet the newcomer was targeted only twice in Week 1 and had one catch. With Van Jefferson injured and Odell Beckham Jr. gone, Robinson is expected to have a major role in the offense.

After Beckham’s Rams tenure got off to a slow start last season, Stafford figured out how to get the veteran more involved in the offense. Expect the same to hold true with Robinson, as McVay and Stafford look to share the wealth against the Falcons.

Our Pick: Allen Robinson II over 4.5 receptions

Falcons vs. Rams odds

Odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook. Correct at time of publishing and subject to change.

Team	Spread	Moneyline	Total Points 46.5
Falcons	(+10.0) -110	+400	Over   -110
Rams	(-10.0) -110	-550	Under -110

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