Los Angeles Rams vs. Baltimore Ravens Matchup Preview (1/2/22): Betting Odds, Depth Charts, Live Stream (Watch Online)

Los Angeles Rams vs. Baltimore Ravens Matchup Preview (1/2/22)

One of the hottest teams in the league right now is the Los Angeles Rams – the NFC West title is as good as theirs now and season-long records are being broken with two games still remaining. The injury-prone Baltimore Ravens are hosting them this week in what should be an entertaining game. Lamar Jackson has missed their last three games which has undoubtedly contributed to their four-game losing streak, but he returned to the practice field this week so things could change if he can suit up for Sunday’s game. If the Ravens win out, they can still make the playoffs, and maybe even take the AFC North title, but they will likely need Jackson to do it. The Rams are 11-4, one of the best teams in the league right now, and leading their division thanks to their recent success and the Cardinals’ lack thereof.

Los Angeles Rams vs. Baltimore Ravens Betting Odds

The Rams are the 3-point favorite in this week’s matchup. With their current four-game winning streak and the Ravens four-game losing streak, this comes as no surprise. The Rams have covered in all four of those wins, contributing to their 8-7 record against the spread. And despite the Ravens losing four straight, they lost two of those games by one point and one of the games by two points, so they’ve still covered twice in two of their last four losses. They are 7-8 ATS this year but 2-0 on covering as the home underdog which looks good for them as the Rams have only covered 50% of the time as the away team. 

The over/under is set at 46 for this game. Both teams have hit the over eight times this year, which includes the Ravens last three games. Both teams average at least 23 points per game, so the over should be a good pick this week. 

The level of lopsidedness in this game will largely depend on Lamar Jackson’s status. If he’s back, I could see it being a tight game where they lose but cover – maybe even a possible upset. If he’s not back, the Rams will likely win outright because Baltimore won’t be able to match their play on offense. Either way, I think the over will hit in this game, but it’s hard to make a sound prediction without knowing Jackson’s status.

TV Schedule

Date: 1/2/22
Time: 1:00 PM ET
Location: M&T Bank Stadium
TV Coverage: FOX

Los Angeles Rams vs. Baltimore Ravens Live Stream

Where can you watch Rams vs. Ravens online? You can stream this game, and many other NFL games live online with Hulu. Hulu has a 7 Day free trial and is cheaper than cable options at $5.99/month. Watch Rams vs. Ravens Free Online Now.

Los Angeles Rams Analysis

This is a team that has been taking care of business. For a team that was on a three-game losing streak in late November, they’ve now converted that into a four-game winning streak that has taken them to the top of the NFC West. Their win over the Vikings last week where Cooper Kupp had 109 receiving yards, marked his fourteenth game of 90+ receiving yards this year; he became the first receiver in NFL history to achieve this. The Ravens pass defense is one of the worst in the league, so that record should realistically be extended to fifteen games. 

Despite their win last week, Matthew Stafford looked off. He threw three interceptions and 197 yards with a 56.7% completion rate. It was his first game all year throwing less than 200 passing yards and the most interceptions he’s thrown in a game this year. But others made up for it – their defense had three sacks and Sony Michel rushed for 131 yards, a season-high for him. He likely won’t do as well against this Ravens run defense, but his performance is commendable. As of late, the Rams have had to utilize their depth chart a bit more and they’ve done a good job. Strong second-stringers alongside usual superstars like Jordan Ramsey and Cooper Kupp is part of what makes this Rams team so dangerous. This offense is number one in the league in yards per pass play and sixth in the league for total passing yards and points per game. 

The Rams defense is also lethal. They are notorious for their solid pass rush and their running defense that holds teams to under 100 rushing yards per game. If Jackson returns, they will likely give him and his run-heavy offense a hard time. Especially against an offensive line that has allowed 49 sacks. If not, then the Ravens will likely go long on them and look to exploit their secondary who allows over 240 passing yards per game.

Los Angeles Rams Depth Chart

QB: Matthew Stafford
RB1: Darrell Henderson Jr.
RB2: Sony Michel
WR3: Van Jefferson
WR2: Odell Beckham Jr.
WR1: Cooper Kupp
TE1: Tyler Higbee

Baltimore Ravens Analysis

The Ravens’ four-game losing streak puts them at 8-7 and in jeopardy of not making the postseason. In their defense, they have been without Lamar Jackson but when you create an entire offensive playbook around one person, it is bound to hurt you when they’re gone. Then they lost their QB2 to Covid protocols, which left Josh Johnson to fill the shoes last week. He had a good outing, throwing for over 300 yards and two touchdowns, but his defense let him down and allowed Joe Burrow and the Bengals to run rampant. This defense gave up 575 yards last week.

This team has arguably the best rush defense in the league and one of the best running offenses as well, when Jackson is in control. But their secondary needs serious help. They allow more passing yards than any other team in the league which will be hellish against the Stafford-Kupp combo, but they’ve allowed the least amount of rushing yards.

Mark Andrews has been unstoppable for this team lately. He has had at least 115 yards in each of his last three games, and last week caught eight passes for 125 yards. He leads all tight ends in the league in receiving yards and touchdowns. This offense is fifth in total yards and has one of the best fourth down conversion rates (63.64%) and red zone scoring percentages (65.38%) in the league. On the flipside, they have allowed 49 sacks on their quarterbacks this year, which is among the most in the league. Though it is unclear who will be under center this week, they will be hoping for Jackson. They need someone who can avoid the Rams’ pass rush and move in the pocket, which neither backup has demonstrated the ability to do.

Baltimore Ravens Depth Chart

QB: Lamar Jackson
RB1: Latvius Murray
RB2: Tyson Williams
WR1: Marqise Brown
WR2: Sammy Watkins
WR3: Rashod Bateman
TE1: Mark Andrews

Los Angeles Rams vs. Baltimore Ravens Daily Fantasy Picks

Last week I would have said that Sony Michel is a good choice going forward because he has demonstrated his ability to break tackles and earn yards. But I don’t foresee him getting a ton past this Ravens defense, who allowed just 50 total rushing yards last week. I stand by Cooper Kupp, who will blow past this Ravens secondary. He has a projected 26 points this week. 

For Baltimore, Mark Andrews is an obvious lock, but if the Rams shut him down, which they are capable of doing, then Marquise Brown would be a good choice as well. He hasn’t scored in seven games despite having racked up 387 yards in those seven games so he’s surely due for a touchdown.