A much-anticipated preseason showdown in Los Angeles will take place on Saturday night as the Los Angeles Rams (1-0 in preseason) face off against the Los Angeles Chargers (0-1 in preseason). The Rams concluded the previous season with a respectable 10-7 record, earning a Wild Card playoff spot; however, they were eliminated in the first round by the Lions. The Chargers, on the other hand, struggled with a 5-12 record, leading to the hiring of Jim Harbaugh from Michigan as their new head coach. Kickoff is set for 7:05 PM EST at SoFi Stadium, with the Chargers favored by one point.
Rams Kick Off Season with Narrow Victory
The Los Angeles Rams commenced their 2024-25 season successfully, securing a close 13-12 victory over the Cowboys in their first preseason match. They triumphed as 5.5-point underdogs in a game that stayed under the projected 34.5 total points. However, the Rams faced some concerns when quarterback Matthew Stafford exited a practice with a hamstring issue. Fortunately, the team remains optimistic that this injury will not hinder his performance during the season. Stafford did not participate in the first preseason game, leaving all passing responsibilities to Stetson Bennett, who missed the entirety of last season.
Bennett completed 24 of 38 passes, recording one touchdown but also throwing four interceptions. Offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur acknowledged, “He did some good things, but we got to work on the turnovers, no doubt. But there were a lot of positives for him to be able to get out here and practice.” Bennett, a two-time National Champion with Georgia and a 4th-round pick in 2023, is expected to lead the Rams’ offense in the upcoming match, with Dresser Winn from UT-Martin as the only other quarterback option. Key skill position players like Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, along with Kyren Williams and Blake Corum in the backfield, did not play in the first game and are unlikely to participate in this matchup. The Rams also boast cornerbacks Tre’Davious White and Darious Williams, who are anticipated to sit out.
Boston Scott led the Rams in rushing during the first preseason game with 15 carries for 68 yards. He is expected to shoulder the running duties again, alongside Zach Evans, who had 12 carries for 28 yards. Rookie Jordan Whittington from Texas was the top target with six catches for 74 yards, while tight end Miller Forristall, battling for a roster spot behind Tyler Higbee, scored the only touchdown.
Chargers Struggle in Harbaugh’s Initial Game
While a new coach’s first preseason game lacks the intensity of regular-season matchups, Jim Harbaugh undoubtedly hoped for a more productive start than the Chargers’ 16-3 loss to the Seahawks. The Chargers failed to cover the spread as 3.5-point underdogs, and the game went under the 34.5-point total. It is worth noting that many key offensive players, including franchise quarterback Justin Herbert, did not participate. Herbert is currently dealing with plantar fasciitis, making it unlikely he will play during the preseason.
Easton Stick, the 2019 5th-round draft pick from North Dakota State, is slated to start. Although he saw some action last season, his performance was underwhelming, and he is vying for a backup spot on the team. In the game against the Seahawks, Stick completed only 5 of 13 passes for 31 yards, throwing an interception. Luis Perez, a 30-year-old veteran, recorded the most passing yards for the Chargers with 61, while Max Duggan, a second-year player from TCU, is also in the mix. Running backs Gus Edwards and JK Dobbins are expected to be sidelined to avoid any potential injuries. The Chargers’ defense, featuring elite players like Derwin James Jr., Khalil Mack, and Joey Bosa, is anticipated to be a strong point for the team in the regular season.
Expect to see all three quarterbacks in action, with Jaret Patterson leading the rushing attack in the previous game, recording seven carries for 38 yards in his second season out of Buffalo. Isaiah Spiller will also have opportunities to run the ball. Rookie receiver Jaylen Johnson from East Carolina received the most targets but managed only one catch for 36 yards. DJ Chark Jr. was the most prominent player who participated against the Seahawks but did not have a single target.
Best Bets for Rams vs. Chargers
With the Rams receiving a one-point spread, placing a bet on the moneyline seems more favorable for those backing the team with superior quarterback play. Stetson Bennett is expected to lead the Rams and likely play a significant portion of the game, if not the entire match. Bennett’s prior performance, marked by four interceptions, shows a need to refine his skills. However, his collegiate success at Georgia, where he guided his team to two National Championships, suggests he can manage the game effectively. Bennett’s experience of 38 passing attempts in the first game will give him an advantage over the Chargers’ quarterbacks, who struggled to find the end zone. With pressure mounting on Stick, Perez, and Duggan, it will be crucial for them to perform well under scrutiny. While neither team is likely to field many starters, the Rams’ depth and consistent quarterback performance may tip the scales in their favor.
