After a wild opening week in the National Football League, Week 2 sees a pair of NFC West divisional rivals square off with the San Francisco 49ers (1-0) taking on the Los Angeles Rams (1-0) at SoFi Stadium.
Although the 49ers open as heavy eight-point favorites, this matchup offers some intriguing value plays for prospective bettors and football fans alike.
Without further ado, let’s dive in and take a look at some odds, predictions, best bets, player props, and a same-game parlay ahead of this enticing encounter between the 49ers and Rams.
49ers vs Rams Odds
NFL odds used for this San Francisco vs Los Angeles preview were found at DraftKings Sportsbook and are current as of Thursday, Sept. 14 and 6:00 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline: 49ers (-355) • Rams (+280)
- Spread: 49ers -7.5 (-112) • Rams +7.5 (-108)
- Total Points: Over 45.0 (-110) • Under 45.0 (-110)
- Implied Score: 49ers 26.25, Rams 18.75
49ers vs Rams Predictions
Score Pick: 49ers 28, Rams 17
The LA Rams reeled off one of the biggest upsets in Week 1 with a commanding 30-13 road victory over the Seattle Seahawks. However, the 49ers are one of the most explosive, star-studded, and well-balanced teams in football, making this an extremely tough matchup for Sean McVay’s men.
49ers quarterback Brock Purdy continued his stellar play on the road in a 30-7 victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers, completing 19 of 29 passes for 220 yards and 111.3 QB rating, silencing critics who thought he might be a one-hit wonder in Kyle Shanahan’s system.
On the injury front, the Rams will be without star wide receiver Cooper Kupp for a second consecutive week, leaving Rams QB Matthew Stafford down a weapon against an athletic and high-octane Niners defense.
Look for the 49ers to cruise to victory on the road en route to a 2-0 start to the 2023 campaign.
49ers vs Rams Best Bets & Props
49ers -7.5 (-112)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
In Week 1, San Francisco picked up right where they left off in 2022, completely dismantling a Steelers team who looked impressive in the preseason.
From an advanced metrics standpoint, Week 1 saw the Niners rank sixth in football in Net Yards Gained Per Pass Attempt (3.9) and fourth in QB Hurry % Per Dropback (26.9%), per Pro Football Reference, which should make life difficult for Stafford all game long.
On offence, Purdy has the added luxury of Christan McCaffrey out of the backfield, who reeled off 152 yards on 52 carries (6.9 yards per carry), including a mammoth 65-yard run and touchdown. Niners fans should be licking their chops in what’s projected to be a favorable matchup on all fronts.
When you factor in both rosters, the 49ers are the far superior team here, which is why I have no issue laying a single-unit wager on them to win by eight or more. For those reasons, I’m taking the 49ers against the spread as my NFL bet of the day.
Brandon Aiyuk: Over 57.5 Receiving Yards (-115)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
49ers wideout Brandon Aiyuk had a fantastic afternoon against the Steelers in Week 1, reeling in all eight of his targets to go along with 129 yards through the air and two touchdowns. Although it’s a small sample size, Aiyuk was Purdy’s main target leading the Niners in targets, receptions, and receiving yards.
From an advanced statistics perspective, Aiyuk was impressive across the board, appearing in 58 total snaps (85% snap count), with a 46.2 TAY%, and 13.6 aDOT, per Next Gen Stats.
At a very enticing (-115) price point, look for Aiuyk to continue to gain main exposure and usage in one of the most elite offensive schemes in football. Lock in Aiyuk to exceed his receiving prop as soon as you can.
49ers vs Rams Same Game Parlay
49ers vs Rams SGP (+130)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
- Over 45.0 (-110)
- San Francisco Over 26.5 (-120)
For the first leg of my parlay, I’m targeting the game total of 45 total points.
This matchup features two teams who love to play fast, with the Rams ranking second in pace of play and San Francisco ranking 13th, per NFL Team Rankings.
As opposed to a slow game on the ground that eats a ton of clock, I’m anticipating pass-heavy offenses from both sides which should bode well for a high-scoring game. Take the Over on this one.
The second leg focuses on the 49ers team total of 26.5 points for which I’m also taking the Over.
Despite only a single-game’s worth of data that saw the Niners surgically pick apart a stellar Steelers defense, San Francisco was impressive across the board ranking fourth in football in total yards (408), third in rushing yards (188), and fifth in Third-Down Conversion Percentage (46.2%).
I think we’re in store for more of the same on Sunday from one of the NFL’s top teams.
Combine the two plays at an enticing (+130) price point.
