Los Angeles Rams at Houston Texans odds, picks and predictions

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After holding a joint practice Thursday, the Los Angeles Rams (2-0) and Houston Texans (2-1) will square off in the final week of the preseason Saturday afternoon. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET at NRG Stadium in Houston. Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Rams vs. Texans odds, and make our expert NFL picks and predictions.

After winning just 1 preseason game the last 3 years, the Rams started 2-0 this year thanks to narrow victories over the Dallas Cowboys (13-12) and Los Angeles Chargers (13-9). QB Stetson Bennett threw game-winning touchdowns in each contest — including one with 4 seconds left vs. Dallas — to lead the Rams from behind both times. The Rams haven’t played any starters in the preseason and that’s going to be the case Saturday.

The Texans, who lost the Hall of Fame Game to the Chicago Bears 21-17, responded with wins over the Pittsburgh Steelers (20-12) and New York Giants (28-10) by a combined 26 points. QB C.J. Stroud has played sparingly thus far, attempting only 14 passes in 2 games — he didn’t play against the Bears.

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Rams at Texans odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:48 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Rams +165 (bet $100 to win $165) | Texans -200 (bet $200 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Rams +3.5 (-110) | Texans -3.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 34 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Rams at Texans picks and predictions

Prediction

Texans 20, Rams 13

Moneyline

Betting any favorite in the preseason on the money line is risky business, especially at a line of -200 for Houston. The Texans take the preseason more serious than the Rams, but it’s still not worth taking them at the -210 price. PASS.

Against the spread

The Rams are 2-0 straight-up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) this preseason, but their magic could run out Saturday. The wins came on a last-second TD passes, a 4th-down against the Cowboys and a 47-yarder with 9:48 to go in the 4th quarter last week. Without those 2 plays, they’re 0-2.

The Texans have an edge at quarterback with QBs Davis Mills and Case Keenum compared to Bennett. Plus, with this being the final preseason game, the Rams could play it even safer with their primary backups, particularly on the offensive line. BET TEXANS -3.5 (-110).

Over/Under

The total has gone Under in each of the Rams’ 2 preseason games with combined scores of 25 and 22. The Texans’ 3 games have averaged 39.3 total points, so that’s slightly above the listed number of 33.5. However, the Under has been the better bet this summer accross the league.

BET UNDER 34 (-110).

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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