Denver Broncos vs Los Angeles Rams Point Spread Picks

Two 4-10 teams having extremely disappointing seasons meet in this matchup with Denver losing five of its past six and Los Angeles on the losing end seven of its past eight games. Denver does come off a 24-15 victory over Arizona as backup Brett Rypien led three second-half scoring drives, but Russell Wilson is set to return this week and that might not be good news for Bronco fans. Wilson has a 37.1 QB rating after signing a huge contract with Denver and the Broncos have lost eight of his past nine starts. Baker Mayfield will get his third start for the Rams, who lost 24-12 at Green Bay on Monday night. Mayfield orchestrated the miraculous 98-yard drive in the final two minutes to beat Las Vegas, but he couldn't follow up with a big game against the Packers when he threw for 111 yards. Still, Denver is in no position to be a road favorite and it is 3-7 ATS its past 10 road contests and 1-6  ATS overall following a win. The Rams have covered six of their past seven December games and had gotten the money three straight before playing the Packers. Play the Rams.

The Los Angeles defense has proven itself through two preseason games so they won't risk any injuries to key starters in this meaningless road game. It's the offense that needs work, upgrading the attack by trading for RB Sony Michel this week. They face a Denver offense that has been terrific scoring 30 and 33 points. They will continue to score even in Week 3 as the strong QB rotation of Teddy Bridgewater and Drew Lock have been playing great battling for the top job. They've combined for four TDs, no interceptions. Bridgewater was just named the starter, but coach Vic Facio said "There wasn't a lot of separation." The offense has gone 12-of-26 on third down. All of which means look for a game with more offense than defense. Make the play on the OVER. 

This is the fourth preseason game for a retooled Denver offense that hasn't been very good, averaging 14.3 points per game. The QB trio of Joe Flacco, Kevin Hogan and Drew Lock have combined for one TD, two picks, and 11 sacks. And Lock is dealing with a sprained thumb. At least the Denver defense is far ahead of the offense, allowing 18.6 ppg. Los Angeles won the NFC last season and has nothing to prove on offense this August. It shows, scoring a total of 13 points in two losses. After QB Jared Goff, the QB rotation is unimpressive with Sean Mannion, John Wolford, Blake Bortles and Brandon Allen - three of them learning a new playbook. The defense has great talent and depth, allowing 14 points apiece to the Raiders and Cowboys. They picked off two Oakland passes and have held their two opponents to 9-of-27 on third down. This one stays UNDER.

The LA Rams remain as one of two unbeaten teams in the NFL at 5-0. The Rams' offense once again appears to be the greatest show on turf, as they were once coined almost two decades ago. One big reason is the play of QB Jared Goff. Goff had a breakout season last year, finishing with a 98.5 passer rating and has been even better this season at 119.7 through five games. The Rams offense has scored at least 33 points in every game. While the offense remains steady, the defense has allowed 28.3 points per game in their last three. Denver has not been the same defensively, allowing 29.3 ppg in their last three. Denver is also 41-16 to the OVER after allowing 6.5 yards or more a play in their last 57. Play on the OVER.