Aug 11, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Stetson Bennett (13) passes to wide receiver Drake Stoops (6) against Dallas Cowboys defensve end Al-Quadin Muhammad (92) during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
- The LA Rams (1-0) and LA Chargers (0-1) meet up at SoFi Stadium on Saturday night for NFL Preseason Week 2 action.
- Jim Harbaugh’s Chargers look to bounce back after a 16-3 loss to Seattle last week, while Sean McVay’s Rams try to improve to 2-0 following last weekend’s victory over the Dallas Cowboys.
- Check out the section below for our favorite picks from Saturday night’s game.
It’s a battle for LA on Saturday night at SoFi Stadium! The Rams survived 4 interceptions from Stetson Bennett IV in their first preseason game against the Cowboys. Bennett even bounced back to lead a game-winning drive after Dallas failed to capitalize on all the turnovers. The Chargers, meanwhile, got off to a rough offensive start in Jim Harbaugh’s coaching debut, putting up only 3 points against the Seahawks. Which team will have a better performance this weekend? Tune in to NFL+ at 7:05 p.m. ET on Saturday night to find out.
LA Rams vs LA Chargers Picks
- Under 33.5 points (-110)
- Rams moneyline (+105)
Considering the fact that these teams combined for 16 points in their preseason debuts, I’m hammering the under. It seems at least 3 points too high. I don’t think the Chargers have much depth offensively at any skill position. Harbaugh’s squad will be lucky to score 10+ points on Saturday night. Meanwhile, the Rams weren’t much better, lucking their way into a win over Dallas thanks to the Cowboys’ incompetence.
Under 33.5 points is currently -110 over at bet365. That’s great value for a pick that looks very likely to hit based on what we’ve seen from each team so far.
As for my second pick, I simply don’t understand why the Chargers are favored. Stetson Bennett IV threw a whopping 4 interceptions (and if not for a defensive drop, it would have been 5) against the Cowboys and the Rams still won. The Chargers only put up 3 points, with 3 different quarterbacks combining to complete 14 of 32 passes for 0 touchdowns and an interception.
The Rams, even with mostly backups playing, were on a different level than the Chargers’ backups last week. Give me the Rams at +105 on the moneyline at bet365.
LA Rams vs LA Chargers Odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| LA Rams | +1.0 (-110) | +105 | O 33.5 (-110) |
| LA Chargers | -1.0 (-110) | -125 | U 33.5 (-110) |
Odds via bet365 as of Thursday, August 15. Use Sports Betting Dime’s bet365 promo code SBDXLM when you register for this popular sportsbook today and you’ll earn a choice between two wonderful welcome bonuses — a first-bet safety net of up to $1,000 or $150 in bonus bets when you place your first $5+ wager.
As mentioned above, the Chargers are somehow the favorites in this game, even if it is a narrow -1.0 spread. You can get Chargers -1.0 and Rams +1.0 for equal -110 odds. The Rams are +105 on the moneyline, which is the side I’m playing for Saturday’s game. The Chargers are currently -125 to win outright. The points total is set at over/under 33.5, with equal -110 odds on both sides.
LA Rams vs LA Chargers In and Out
We won’t be seeing Chargers starting QB Justin Herbert this week as he continues to deal with an injury. That injury is something he’s been dealing with for weeks. However, the Rams now have QB injury concerns of their own.
Per reports, Stafford left Wednesday’s joint practice against the Cowboys with a hamstring issue:
Rams QB Matthew Stafford did not finish today’s joint workout with the Cowboys due to hamstring tightness, per a Rams official.
— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) August 14, 2024
Since Stafford is on the older side when it comes to NFL starting QBs, that’s not good news this close to the regular season. Even if the team determines the injury isn’t that serious, it’s still all but certain he won’t play on Saturday night.
I don’t think we’ll see Puka Nacua or Cooper Kupp either, as they continue to deal with nagging injuries. Kyren Williams didn’t play in the preseason opener and likely won’t suit up on Saturday night, either. Thus the Rams should have plenty of backups getting work against the Chargers.
The Chargers will almost certainly be playing mostly backups, too. We might see some of the top receivers getting a bit of work, but there’s no guarantee of that.
Check out all the latest football betting lines as the regular season quickly approaches.
Adam is an avid college sports fan, covering both football and basketball. During the summer months, he’s all-in on MLB action, favoring pitcher strikeout parlays.
The LA Rams and LA Chargers are set to face off in a preseason matchup on August 17, and fans are eagerly anticipating what promises to be an exciting game. Both teams have been working hard during training camp to prepare for the upcoming season, and this game will give them a chance to showcase their skills and make their final roster decisions.
When it comes to picking a winner for this game, it’s important to consider a few key factors. The Rams are coming off a successful season in which they made it to the Super Bowl, so they will be looking to build on that success and start the preseason on a high note. The Chargers, on the other hand, are looking to bounce back from a disappointing season and show that they are ready to compete in the tough AFC West division.
In terms of betting, the odds for this game are likely to be close, as both teams have talented rosters and are capable of putting up big numbers on offense. However, it’s worth noting that preseason games can be unpredictable, as teams often use them to evaluate their younger players and test out different strategies. This can lead to some unexpected outcomes, so it’s important to approach betting on preseason games with caution.
For those looking to place bets on this game, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, consider the strengths and weaknesses of each team and how they match up against each other. Look at how the teams have performed in previous preseason games and how they have fared against each other in the past. Additionally, pay attention to any injuries or lineup changes that could impact the outcome of the game.
Ultimately, the outcome of this preseason matchup between the LA Rams and LA Chargers is anyone’s guess. Both teams have talented rosters and are capable of putting up big numbers on offense, so it should be an exciting game to watch. Whether you’re a fan looking to support your team or a bettor looking to make some money, this game is sure to provide plenty of entertainment and excitement.