2 NFL Player Props for Week 1: Rams vs 49ers

First on the NFL international schedule is a trip to Australia for Rams vs 49ers.

Los Angeles, the Super Bowl odds favorite, split the season series with the 49ers last year. The Rams fell as a lofty favorite at home before throttling San Francisco 42-26 later in the year.

Beyond side, total and moneyline markets, bettors also have access to myriad player props. Below, I’ve outlined my best player prop predictions for the showcase based on NFL odds.

Rams vs 49ers Prediction: Week 1 Player Props

Matthew Stafford Under 265.5 Passing Yards (-115)

The Rams elected to rest Stafford throughout the entire preseason. Pair the lack of game action with a lengthy journey to Melbourne, and it wouldn’t surprise me to see Stafford start slow.

The reigning NFL MVP cleared this benchmark in both games against the 49ers last year. However, he enjoyed a notable advantage over the San Francisco defense.

Edge rusher Nick Bosa missed both games against the Rams. It forced the 49ers into a lot of blitz-heavy packages to try to generate pressure.

Last year, only two teams generated less pressure without blitzing. With a blitz, San Francisco still ranked 30th in the NFL.

Bosa’s presence should allow increased havoc against a strong Rams offensive line. However, the weakest part of LA’s line is out at right tackle.

If the 49ers can generate pressure without blitzing, it likely leads to more defenders in coverage. Plus, Raheem Morris arrives to coordinate a new defense.

Last year, Morris gave Stafford trouble in Atlanta. Per PFF, Stafford produced his fourth-worst grade of the season visiting the Falcons.

I’m encouraged by the addition of Osa Odighizuwa in San Francisco, too. Given those factors, I predict Stafford stays under a lofty benchmark in Australia.

Brock Purdy Longest Completion Under 34.5 Yards (-110)

Beyond Trent Williams, San Francisco possesses a fairly league-average offensive line. I expect the revamped Rams front to pressure Purdy and force shorter completions.

Purdy missed both games against the Rams last year. In his stead, Mac Jones cleared this line once by the hook in two head-to-head meetings.

He did so without facing much pressure. Over two games, Los Angeles averaged 13.5 pressures. As a team, the defense averaged 16.1 during the regular season.

Beyond the Rams’ trench edge, defensive coordinator Chris Shula inherits better corners.

Cobie Durant started both games last year while Darious Williams and Emmanuel Forbes switched. Now, the unit replaces them with Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson.

Upon his return from injury, Purdy cleared this line only three times in nine games. Two of those successes came against bad pass defenses: Tennessee and Chicago.

Given those factors, I predict he stays under this benchmark against a better defense.