Buffalo Bills @ Los Angeles Rams Matchup Preview - September 8th, 2022

The Los Angeles Rams come in as 2.5 point home underdog as they play the Buffalo Bills at SoFi Stadium Thursday. The last time these two teams played was in Week 3 of 2020. That game produced a lot of points, as the visiting Bills pulled off the road win 35-32.

Ranked #1 in the league and allowing only 286 yards per game, Buffalo's success has been driven by their defense. There's seemingly nowhere to throw for opposing QBs, who've been limited to only 180 yards per game (#1-least in the league). The secondary isn't the only strength for their defense, however, as they hold the opposition to 4.18 yards per carry, good for #7 in the league. The Bills have excelled at limiting opposing wide receivers, who are averaging just 115 yards per game against them (#1-best). Ranked #1 in the league in coverage, Buffalo's safeties have led the way. Ranked #9 in the league in getting to the passer, Buffalo's linebackers have led the way. The Bills are currently ranked #6 in the league in total offensive yards per game. Ranked #5 in football, they've passed for 322 yards per game. They've also added 4.39 yards per carry (#11 in the league).

Ranking #3 in the NFL with 439 yards per game, Los Angeles's main strength has been their offense. With 343 passing yards per game, #3-best in football this year, the Rams have showcased an impressive aerial attack. Their offensive line has ranked an impressive #4 in pass protection. It's easy to succeed when you have plenty of time to throw. In terms of total defensive yards allowed per game, the Rams are ranked #15 in the league. Their passing defense has allowed 233 yards per game, good for #16-place. They've allowed opposing ball-carriers to gain 4 yards per attempt (#3 in football). The Rams have been at their best against wide receivers, holding them to just 7.39 yards per target (#4-best in football). Los Angeles has been at their worst against running backs, giving up a completion rate of 84.8% of their targets (#9-highest in football).

Buffalo Bills Insights

• THE BLITZ projects this game to have the 3rd-highest volume of plays run among all games this week at 128.8 plays, accounting for the tendencies of each team and game dynamics.

• Josh Allen has been among the top passers in the league since the start of last season, averaging a terrific 286.0 yards per game while checking in at the 91st percentile.

• The Buffalo Bills defense has been particularly weak when opposing pass-catchers have gotten into space, giving up an average of 5.39 yards-after-the-catch since the start of last season: the 7th-most in the league.

Los Angeles Rams Insights

• The forecast calls for 0-mph wind in this game. Low wind usually means increased pass volume, increased TD potential, and increased passing efficiency.

• Cooper Kupp has notched a monstrous 96.0 air yards per game since the start of last season: 94th percentile among WRs.

• The Los Angeles Rams have gone no-huddle on 15.8% of their plays outside the two-minute warning since the start of last season (3rd-most in the NFL). This quickens the pace, leading to more volume and stat production.

Betting Trends

• The Los Angeles Rams have hit the 1H Game Total Under in their last 6 games (+6.00 Units / 92% ROI)

• The Buffalo Bills have scored first in their last 5 games (+5.05 Units / 57% ROI)

• Gabriel Davis has hit the Receiving Yards Over in 8 of his last 9 games (+6.80 Units / 66% ROI)