Rams put undefeated record on the line against upstart Browns

Los Angeles Rams (2-0) at Cleveland Browns (1-1), 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC

Super Bowl runners-up have trended poorly over the years, but the Rams are bucking the trend. They’ve started their redemption campaign 2-0 straight-up and against the spread, with victories over the Panthers and Saints. The Browns’ bandwagon in seemingly back on track, following an effortless victory against the Jets on Monday night, which came on the heels of an embarrassing home loss to the Titans in Week 1. However, bettors should not be banking on a second straight prime-time win for Cleveland.

The Rams offense has been clicking

Jared Goff, a dark-horse preseason pick for MVP, has completed 62.7% of his passes for seven yards per attempt and two touchdowns this season. Wide receiver Cooper Kupp has shown no ill effects after an ACL tear last season and has accounted for a team-high 12 receptions and 166 yards through two weeks of play.

Most accurate quarterbacks (depth-adjusted) in the NFL in Week 2: 1. Dak Prescott 96.7% 2. Jared Goff 80.6% 3. Luke Falk 77.7% 4. Aaron Rodgers 77.5% 5. Joe Flacco 69.9% 6. Tom Brady 69.1% 7. Josh Allen 68.2% 8. Russell Wilson 66.1%
— Cian (@Cianaf) September 17, 2019

L.A.'s running game, led by Todd Gurley and Malcolm Brown, has accounted for 140.5 yards per game, good for seventh in the NFL. Sean McVay’s offense is by far the most sophisticated the Browns young defense has encountered this season, so this will be a litmus test for Myles Garrett and company.

Mayfield will have his hands full with Donald

Cleveland’s 21st-ranked offensive line (per Pro Football Focus) will be hard-pressed to handle Aaron Donald, the Rams standout pass rusher. He could easily bait Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield into costly mistakes, as L.A. was third in interceptions forced a year ago. Mayfield has already thrown four balls to the wrong team in 2019 and has been sacked eight times. Bettors shouldn’t count on Nick Chubb to bail out the Browns on the ground, as Cleveland is a disappointing 22nd in rushing yards per game this season (86).

#PassRush: Cross Chop compilation feat. Aaron Donald, Zach Harrison, Dante Fowler, Deatrich Wise Jr., DeMarcus Lawrence, Von Miller & Frank Clark pic.twitter.com/tpmaMLD99E
— DLineVids (@dlinevids1) September 16, 2019

The trends are on the Rams side too, as L.A. has covered in six of its last seven games and four of its last five on the road. The Browns are 9-21 against the spread in their last 30 home games.

NFL free play: Rams -3

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