Can Todd Gurley keep it going for Rams?
The running back ran for more than 100 yards in the Rams’ last three games last season and has a chance for a big night vs. the Raiders
Monday, 10:20 p.m. ET, Oakland Coliseum
TV: ESPN
Danny Sheridan’s line: Rams by 4 ⁄2
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Rams’ keys to victory
The Rams had one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL in 2017, scoring an NFL-high 29.9 points per game, and a big reason was their ability to exploit mismatches from game to game. One of the matchups the Rams should be able to exploit is RB Todd Gurley versus the Raiders linebackers. Gurley is significantly faster than them, so look for the Rams to get him in space early and often. Don’t be surprised if Gurley touches the ball close to 25 times. Gurley rushed for 371 yards over the Rams’ final three games of last season, including the playoffs. He also had 158 yards receiving in the regularseason finale against Tennessee.
Raiders’ keys to victory
The Raiders must neutralize the Rams’ pass rushers, including Ndamukong Suh and Aaron Donald, and the best way to do so would be to run behind their elite offensive line. If RB Marshawn Lynch can find success against one of the worst run-defenses in 2017 (122.3 yards allowed per game, 28th in the NFL), the Raiders should be able to keep their pass rushers on their heels and find balance on offense.
Who wins?
The Rams offensive line is too strong for the new-look Raiders under head coach Jon Gruden. Expect a high-scoring game between two strong quarterbacks in the Rams’ Jared Goff and the Raiders’ Derek Carr, with the Rams pulling away late.
Rams 30-24