AFC meets NFC as the Houston Texans visit the Los Angeles Rams in an NFL Week 1 clash. C.J. Stroud and the Texans, despite an injury-riddled season, ended their 2024 campaign with a 10-7 record but faced a 23-14 defeat against the Kansas City Chiefs in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. Similarly, the Rams, led by Matthew Stafford, topped the NFC West with a 10-7 finish but were eliminated in the Divisional Round by the Philadelphia Eagles, the eventual Super Bowl champions.
Kickoff from SoFi Stadium is scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS and Paramount+. The Rams are currently favored by 3 points, with the total points over/under set at 43.5. Latest odds show the Rams at -166 money line favorites, while the Texans are rated as +141 underdogs. Before placing any picks on this matchup, it’s wise to review insights from the SportsLine Projection Model, which simulates each NFL game 10,000 times.
Top Picks by the SportsLine Model for Texans vs. Rams:
- Rams -3
- Under 43.5
Rams -3 Los Angeles achieved an 11-8 record against the spread in 2024, successfully covering in five of their last six regular-season games. One concern for head coach Sean McVay is the health of quarterback Stafford, who dealt with a back injury during training camp but is anticipated to be fine for the opening week. Stafford welcomes a new wide receiver, Davante Adams, aimed at boosting team performance alongside Puka Nacua. A key player to monitor is running back Kyren Williams, who has tallied 31 touchdowns over his past two seasons.
The SportsLine model forecasts that Los Angeles will cover the spread in 52% of its simulations, making this an attractive opportunity for bettors.
Under 43.5 The Under was successful in 10 games for Houston and in nine games for Los Angeles in 2024. Houston’s defense, returning many players from 2024, ranked fourth in the NFL for sacks (49) and fifth in yards allowed per game (315.0). The Rams’ defense struggled somewhat, ranking 17th last season in points allowed per game. This matchup could be competitive, and the Under is projected as the favorable bet in 52% of the SportsLine simulations.
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