Rams vs Lions Odds & Picks Week 1: Detroit to start hot

The Rams are catching +3.5 points as road underdogs in Week 1 vs. the Lions on Sunday Night Football. This is a rematch of the Wild Card game last season when the Lions won 24-23, and recored their first home playoff win since 1992. Oddsmakers are expecting a shootout and set the total at 51.5, but don't be surprised if this total rises even further before kickoff. 

The Rams are 6-1 SU in Week 1 games under Sean McVay and the Lions are 1-2 in Week 1 under Dan Campbell. 

This game will be entertaining because it features two high-powered offenses and two of the best play-callers in the NFL with McVay and Lions OC Ben Johnson. The story lines are endless because of the revenge angle for both QBs playing their former teams. With studs like Matthew Stafford, Jared Goff, Amon Ra St. Brown, Puka Nacua, and Cooper Kupp on the field, this game will decide a lot of Week 1 fantasy football outcomes too.

Keep reading for my two bet recommendations in this Rams vs. Lions game.

Rams Vs Lions Odds Week 1

Los Angeles Rams vs. Detroit Lions, 7:20 pm ET

Odds from FanDuel as of September 2

Rams Vs Lions Picks Week 1

Lions Moneyline (-180) vs. Rams

I like the Lions to win this game outright especially because the Rams have several starters expected to miss time. Rams LT Alaric Jackson was suspended two games and RT Rob Havenstein is struggling with an injury and may not play. In a scenario with both tackles out, the Rams would start Joe Noteboom and Warren McClendon Jr., a 5th round rookie last season who has only played 32 snaps and has a PFF pass blocking grade of 45.0.

Rams TE Tyler Higbee is a solid pass blocker (68.4 PFF pass blocking grade) who ordinarily could help out vs. Lions rushers Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport. However, Higbee is on the PUP list, meaning he will miss at least four games. 

When you think of the Rams and Lions, you probably have images in your mind of Aaron Donald or of the Lions' terrible defense over the past few years. In reality, it's the Lions who will enter this game with a much more dominant defense. Each time has a potent passing attack, but Lions' QB Jared Goff will see a lot less resistance than Rams QB Matthew Stafford.

Both teams have kickers who haven't proven themselves in the NFL yet, but Rams rookie Joshua Karty (Stanford) is more likely to be impacted by pressure in a loud road stadium. 

Line movement can tell us a lot about how wise guys are betting. But, a lack of line movement also speaks volumes. In this case, the fact that a Rams +3.5 line has hung out there all summer without being gobbled up by sharp bettors tells me Detroit has a great shot at winning this game. The current -180 price at FanDuel is cheaper than several other books in the market right now.

Rams Vs Lions Prop Pick

Cooper Kupp OVER 5.5 receptions (+112)

Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua both have their receptions over/under set at 5.5 in this one, but those who watch Rams games closely know Kupp is Stafford's first read most of the time they're both on the field.

Kupp's last three season-opening games have all gone over this number and he's averaging 9.33 catches per game in those contests. Cooper Kupp with fresh legs in a game that could be a shootout, is a nice recipe for an over here. 

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Rams Vs Lions Betting Trends