Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Rams Picks, Odds, Predictions, and Player Props for SNF Week 3

The Rams and Broncos were among the favorites to represent their respective conferences in the Super Bowl this season, but both got off to subpar starts. The Rams were embarrassed by the Seahawks in Australia, while the Broncos got run out of the building by the Chiefs. Denver’s defense was clearly not ready to play, putting together one of the worst performances in the Next Gen Stats era.

However, both teams bounced back in Week 2. The Rams traveled to New York and hammered the Giants, despite being without Myles Garrett and Puka Nacua. The Broncos outgained the Jaguars by nearly 125 yards and cruised to a seven-point victory.

Now, both teams will square off in Denver in Week 3. The Rams remain the prohibitive Super Bowl favorites, but they’ll be without Parsons and Nacua for the second straight week. Can they move to 2-1, or will the Broncos pull off the upset? Let’s dive into all the betting metrics for Sunday Night Football.

Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Rams Betting Odds For Week 3

• Spread: Rams -2.5 (-104, FanDuel)
• Moneyline: Rams -126; Broncos +113
• Game Total: 44.0

The Rams did not miss a beat in Week 2 despite missing two of their best players. Davante Adams stepped right into Nacua’s role and proved he’s still got plenty left in the tank. He saw 10 targets vs. the Giants, which he converted into eight catches, 195 yards and two touchdowns. Matthew Stafford has always peppered his No. 1 option with targets, and Adams still appears up for the task.

That said, the Rams might need a bit more than just Adams in this matchup. He’ll have to deal with Patrick Surtain, who is one of the best cornerbacks in football. The Rams’ pass-catchers after Nacua and Adams have left a lot to be desired this season, and they’re going to need to step up on Sunday.

The Garrett absence should be easier to overcome. That’s not a knock on Garrett—he’s arguably the best player in the league—but the Rams have more options to replace him. Specifically, Aaron Donald looked as good as ever in his first game in three years. He racked up a 27.8% pass-rush win rate and finished the week with the top pass-rush grade at the position per PFF.

That could be an issue for the Broncos. Bo Nix has been pressured on more than 40% of his dropbacks so far this season, and he has struggled in those instances. He’s averaged -0.96 EPA per play in that split, which ranks 31st among QBs this season. He also has four turnover-worthy throws on just 27 attempts. If the Broncos can’t slow down Donald and company, they could be in a world of hurt.

The Broncos will also have to deal with the absence of Jonah Coleman. They have plenty of depth at running back, but Coleman led the squad with 10 carries, 39 yards and a score last week. J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey should be able to pick up the slack, but it’s still going to be tough sledding against the Rams defense.

Join Our Newsletter

Trusted by 400,000+ fantasy football players. Get access to Fantasy Life's free award winning newsletter and tools, all in one step.

Email Address

Subscribe

By registering or logging in, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Prediction & Pick For Broncos vs. Rams Week 3 Matchup

• The Pick: Under 44.0 (-108; Caesars)

We still don't have a true feel for the Rams this season. Their first game was played on the other side of the planet, and they made some questionable travel decisions leading into that contest. In Week 2, the Giants lost their starting quarterback early in the game, while Brian Burns, Andrew Thomas and Malik Nabers were also banged up. With their four best players all missing time, they have zero shot against the Rams.

That said, I’m not sure it would’ve mattered. The Rams’ defense looked as good as advertised in that contest. Even if Jaxson Dart and Nabers played the full game, the result likely would’ve been the same.

Meanwhile, the Broncos have had some clear issues to start the year. Their offensive line has struggled, and their defense hasn’t been as dominant as they were last year. They’re merely 20th in defensive EPA through the first two weeks, and if they can’t dominate on that side of the ball, their offense isn’t good enough to pick up the slack.

Ultimately, I expect the defenses to control this game. They each match up extremely well with the opposing offense, so points should be at a premium. I also lean toward the Rams at less than a field goal, but the under feels like the safer play to me: We have the projected total at 41.7 in our NFL Game Model.

Best Player Prop Bet For Broncos vs. Rams 

R.J. Harvey Over 19.5 Rushing Yards (-110; DraftKings)

Harvey’s involvement has been minimal so far this season. He was limited to just three carries in Week 1, and he missed the Week 2 game entirely. It’s allowed Dobbins and Coleman to handle most of the opportunities.

Harvey should have a much bigger role vs. the Rams. With Coleman out, he should serve as the clear change-of-pace back behind Dobbins. He’ll handle most of the third-down responsibilities, but he should see a solid handful of carries as well. We have him projected for 6.3 carries and 26.5 rushing yards, which would easily clear his current yardage prop.