The Houston Texans and Los Angeles Rams will each look to remain unbeaten when they square off in their second preseason game at SoFi Stadium on Friday.
The Rams did not play any of their regulars in their 29-22 win over the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi on Saturday night. Backup quarterback Bryce Perkins played the entire game, throwing for 133 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 39 and an additional score.
Houston is fresh off a 17-13 win over the New Orleans Saints on Saturday. Unlike the Rams, the Texans’ regulars saw two drives of action in their preseason opener, but did not account for any points.
Here’s a look at what to expect in this week’s game, and our best Houston vs Los Angeles best bets.
Texans vs Rams Odds
The Rams, as expected, are a 1.5-point favorite for the game by virtue of their home-field advantage. The Over/Under sits at 37.5 total points.
Texans vs Rams Implied Score
Rams 19.5, Texans 18
Preseason games have a tendency to be low scoring since offensive regulars don’t play much. The Rams regulars are not expected to play again, and the Texans scored 17 points in their preseason opener, which would account for the total.
Texans vs Rams Pick of the Day
Read more on this Texans vs Rams bet below.
Texans vs Rams Matchup
Rams coach Sean McVay has a philosophy that players who are not competing for roster spots will never play a snap in a preseason game, meaning Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp, Allen Robinson, Aaron Donald, Jalen Ramsey, and Bobby Wagner are all going to be absent, even though it is the team’s second preseason game.
Texans coach Lovie Smith is more of a traditionalist and will probably give his starters more time against Los Angeles, especially given the fact he’s trying to see what he has in his first preseason. That means Davis Mills and the Houston offense should play about a half before shutting it down in the team’s preseason finale.
Texans vs Rams Prediction
Texans 27, Rams 19
There are competing philosophies between McVay and Smith in the preseason. McVay’s goal is to learn whether he has any diamonds in the rough who can earn roster spots while keeping his superteam upright for Week 1. Smith wants his guys to get extra work in to build continuity and chemistry.
The Rams’ reserves are competent, hungry and ready to prove they belong in the NFL. But Houston’s starters should be able to develop a rhythm with a full half to play, particularly on the heels of their two-series performance against New Orleans.
The Texans will probably build a first-half advantage and hang on for a close-ish win against the defending champions.
Texans vs Rams Bet Tips
The Rams snapped a three-game preseason losing streak with their win over the Chargers. Houston has won its past three exhibition games. The Rams are 2-0 against Houston in preseason games since relocating to Los Angeles for the 2017 season.
Texans vs Rams Best Bets
Texans Moneyline (+105) at Caesars Sportsbook
As stated above, Houston is more likely to play to win. That’s not to say the Rams won’t be trying to claim a victory, but the Texans are likely to have more talent and experience on the field for most of the game Friday, which should be the difference in the game.
Over 37.5 Total Points (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
The Rams put up 29 on the Chargers without any of their starters playing. As stated above, the Houston starting offense should be able to get into more of a rhythm playing even more in their second game.
Plus, Houston offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton will probably be more likely to open up the playbook with one game, and another full week of practice, under their belts.
Take the Over in Rams-Texans as our NFL pick of the day
