Two of the youngest NFL coaches square off in Week 3’s Thursday night featured matchup. Sean McVay, 31, and Kyle Shanahan, 37, were both hired for their offensive acumen. While the Rams have worked to upgrade their offense via the draft and in trade deals, coach Shanahan’s 49ers remain under construction. It’s for that reason, the UNDER 39 ½ total points (-110) is so attractive tonight. In fact, eight of the Thursday night football games in 2016 resulted in 36 or fewer points scored. The Bengals and Texans combined for 22 points last week.
All prop odds courtesy of Sportsbook.
Jared Goff O/U 19 ½ Pass Completions AND Total Pass Yards 234 ½
Bet: OVER (-125) and OVER (-110)
The 49ers will be without starting safety Eric Reid, who is dealing with a sprained PCL. Jimmie Ward (hamstring) and Jaquiski Tartt (neck) are expected to play at less than 100 percent. Goff torched an undermanned secondary in Week 1 when he dropped 300+ yards on the Colts and passed for 224 yards on only 15 completions last week. With Sammy Watkins deep and Cooper Kupp underneath, I think Goff will hit the two OVERs with ease.
Todd Gurley O/U 24 ½ Receiving Yards
Bet: OVER (-130)
You can see Sean McVay’s influence on the Rams offense with the way Gurley has been used the first two weeks. The third-year running back is on pace for 64 receptions after hauling in only 43 passes last season. Granted, it’s a small sample size, but he’s averaging four receptions for 53 yards through the first two weeks. The point is McVay is actively working to get the ball to Gurley via the pass.
Carlos Hyde O/U 82 ½ Rush Yards
Bet: OVER (+120)
When healthy, Hyde is a top-five running back in this league. He rushed 15 times for 124 yards at Seattle last week and is averaging 5.7 yards per rush this season. Hyde faces a Rams rush defense that allowed Redskins running back Rob Kelley to rush 12 times for 78 yards before he left with a rib injury and allowed Washington to average 5.9 yards per rush. Brian Hoyer isn’t going to win this Thursday night game with his arm and I don’t see the Rams running up the score where the 49ers are forced to throw. If Hyde rushes 17 times at 5.0 yards per pop, he hits 85 yards and it’s time to cash out.
