Falcons vs Rams Picks, Predictions: NFL Week 2 Preview
Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images. Pictured: Cooper Kupp.
- Despite a Week 1 loss, the Rams are double-digit-point favorites this week against the Falcons.
- Both teams are 0-1, although Atlanta was more competitive in its Week 1 loss than Los Angeles.
- Landon Silinsky breaks down the matchup and makes his pick for the game.
Falcons vs. Rams Odds
| Falcons Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+10 -110 | 45.5 -110o / -110u | +375 |
| Rams Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-10 -110 | 45.5 -110o / -110u | -500 |
The Rams look to get on track after getting thoroughly outplayed by the Bills in the season opener last Thursday. Coming to town are the Falcons, who somehow continue to keep the memory of 28-3 alive after blowing yet another big lead to the Saints in Week 1.
Up 26-10 with 12 minutes to go in the fourth quarter, Atlanta subsequently gave up 17 unanswered points — on two Michael Thomas touchdown catches and a Will Lutz field goal — to lose in quintessential Falcons fashion.
Falcons vs. Rams Matchup Analysis
Toggle the dropdowns below to hide or show how the Falcons and Rams match up statistically:
Falcons vs. Rams DVOA Breakdown
 | Offense | Defense |  Edge |
| Overall DVOA | 5 | 27 | |
| Pass DVOA | 11 | 32 | |
| Rush DVOA | 8 | 32 | |
| Offense | Defense | Edge |
| Overall DVOA | 31 | 25 | |
| Pass DVOA | 31 | 18 | |
| Rush DVOA | 30 | 32 | |
The Falcons gave up the sixth highest catch rate to wide receivers in Week 1, as well as the fifth most receiving yards to the position. Cooper Kupp, who racked up 13 catches for 128 yards and a touchdown against the Bills, should be able to absolutely shred in this spot. The Rams have a pretty significant edge here.
Unlike last week, when Matthew Stafford was running for his life on seemingly every play, the Falcons pose no real threat in terms of getting to the quarterback. They virtually got no pressure on Jameis Winston, ranking fourth worst in QB pressure rate in Week 1 .
Conversely, Marcus Mariota is not Josh Allen, and the Rams should be able to control the game on the defensive side. They did a very good job of shutting down Bills tight end Dawson Knox last week, as he caught just 1-of-2 targets for five yards.
This is bad news for the Falcons; Kyle Pitts is their primary receiving option and if the Rams take him out of the game, they will have a ton of difficulty moving the ball.
Betting Picks
Add all of that up and you get a pretty clear get-right spot for the defending Super Bowl champs. I expect the Rams not only to feature Kupp, but also to get Allen Robinson involved early and often after he was erased by Buffalo's defensive scheme.
This is a clear mismatch on both sides of the ball and I will lay the points with the Rams here. I just don't see the Falcons being able to generate much offense against Aaron Donald, Jalen Ramsey and Co.
FanDuel Quickslip: Rams -10 | Bet to -11
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