The New York Giants will host the Los Angeles Rams on "Monday Night Football" in a Week 2 clash that pits a 1-0 Giants team against a Rams squad looking to avoid an 0-2 start. The Rams, who remain Super Bowl favorites, are reeling after a season-opening loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Australia.
The betting line for the game has fluctuated between 6.5 and 7.5 points in favor of Los Angeles. The Rams hold a significant rest advantage, having played their season opener on Sept. 10 and enjoying 11 days of rest before Monday's game. However, the Rams are facing internal concerns.
Los Angeles' defense has struggled early in the season, ranking 29th in DVOA after Week 1. In contrast, the Giants sit just outside the top 10 at No. 11 in DVOA rankings. This disparity suggests that if the Giants can establish their running game, they could control the clock and limit opportunities for the Rams' offense.
Historically, the Rams' defense allowed an average of 4.2 yards per carry last season. While that unit included now-departed player Jared Verse, the team's defensive line depth is being tested with potential absences of key players like Aaron Donald. The Giants, meanwhile, are seen by some analysts as improving from last season.
Despite the Rams' favored status, some projections indicate the Giants could keep the game within a touchdown. One analyst's model, adjusted for current team performance, favors the Rams by 10 points, acknowledging that both teams are in different positions than they were a year ago.
In terms of player performance, there is interest in Giants running back Cam Skattebo. Skattebo recorded 17 carries in the previous game, and some betting predictions suggest he is poised for a higher workload. He is projected to exceed 12.5 carries, with an alternate target of over 19.5 carries at significant odds.
The game's outcome may hinge on the Giants' ability to control the tempo through their running game and manage the Rams' offensive capabilities, especially with questions surrounding the Rams' defensive strength and the Giants' own defensive player status.