:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66338287/usa_today_13849914.0.jpg)
Preseason odds for NFL teams is a good way to look back to see expectations for the season and start to understand where things went wrong or right. Below, we will take a look at DraftKings Sportsbook’s preseason odds for win totals, division titles, player props and more while we discuss what led to their triumphs or disappointments.
Team Futures
Super Bowl: +900
NFC West: -182
Win Total Over/Under: 10.5
The Rams entered this season with the third highest odds of winning the Super Bowl and they had the highest odds to win their division. In fact, the divisional odds weren’t even close, with the Seahawks receiving the second highest odds at +275. They also had a highly respectable over/under win total set at 10.5. Unfortunately for Rams fans, the team came up woefully short in every category. The Rams ended the regular season with a record of 9-7, and they failed to make the playoffs as they finished third in their division.
The Rams began the season with a win against the Cardinals, but quickly became the owners of a losing record with losses to the 49ers and Cowboys in Weeks 2 and 3. They showed moments of promise with wins against teams like the Seahawks in Week 4 and the Saints in Week 16, yet they also showed significant weakness with losses to the likes of the 7-9 Buccaneers in Week 14.
One may wonder what could have gone wrong and led to these glaring disappointments. A look at the player props and outcomes below gives little insight into the situation. It doesn’t seem that any single player is to blame, but one thing that stands out is the high scores of the opponents in most of the Rams’ losses. Opponents averaged 35 points per game in the Rams’ seven losses on the season. Perhaps part of the problem is on the defensive side of the ball, and that problem was not solved all year, even with the addition of stand-out cornerback Jalen Ramsey midseason. It also resulted in the departure of defensive coordinator Wade Phillips.
Player Props
Jared Goff passing yards: 4,150.5
Jared Goff passing TDs: 28.5
Jared Goff MVP: +3300
Cooper Kupp receiving yards: 950.5
Cooper Kupp receiving TDs: 6.5
Brandin Cooks receiving yards: 1,050.5
Robert Woods receiving yards: 1,000.5
Aaron Donald DPOY: +200
When looking at Jared Goff’s player props with the actual stats he accrued throughout the season, it seems as though he performed as expected. He was able to total 4,638 passing yards on the season, which was better than expected. However, he came up short in terms of total TDs, as he amassed 22 passing TDs on the year. He also added 16 interceptions into his stat line, which certainly did not help the Rams season as a whole. He will need to regroup in the offseason and look to protect the ball more in 2020.
Cooper Kupp proved to be Goff’s most reliable weapon, as he hauled in 10 TDs and totaled 1,161 receiving yards on the year, significantly surpassing expectations. Robert Woods followed Kupp’s lead, as he totaled 1,134 yards on the year. Brandin Cooks, unfortunately came up short, totaling only 583 receiving yards in 2019. Though he did miss two games, he still under performed this season when the numbers are extrapolated across 16 games.
As discussed above, the Rams defense did not have a good season as a whole. Aaron Donald came into the season with the highest odds of winning the DPOY award. Despite the poor performance of the defense collectively, Aaron Donald had a great year when all things are considered. He totaled 48 tackles (including 23 tackles for loss), one fumble recovery, and 12.5 sacks on the year. Even so, he did not do quite enough to come out on top. New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore put together a dominant season to win the award.
All in all, the Rams will hope to forget this season and start over in 2020. Expectations will remain high, as they still have tons of offensive talent, and will hope for improved production from their defense as Jalen Ramsey settles into his first full season in LA.
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA) or 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN) or 1-800-522-4700 (NH). NH/NJ/WV/IN/PA only. 21+ (18+ NH). Eligibility Restrictions Apply. See website for details.