2018 Los Angeles Rams -130 To Win Division

The 2018 Los Angeles Rams are -130 to win the NFC West

by Clay Kidston

The 2018 Los Angeles Rams are favored to topple the NFC West after a breakout season in their new home. Can they keep momentum going, or have they added too many moving parts around third-year quarterback Jared Goff?

Offense

Todd Gurley is coming off an incredible 2017 season in which he led all NFL running backs in all-purpose yards and is arguably the best running-backs in all of football. He’s a dual-threat because of his pass-catching abilities from the backfield. The craziest thing? He’s still only 23. Gurley alone makes this offense dangerous.

Add in another year of experience for former first overall pick, QB Jared Goff, who shone in the second half of his sophomore year, along with newly acquired WR Brandin Cooks, and this offense looks like a powerhouse. Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp round out a potent wide-receiver core, and all of this behind one of the best O-lines in the NFL. Expect this squad to be at the top or near the top of every major offensive category this season barring any major injuries.

Defense

Aaron Donald, who along with JJ Watt, is considered the premier defensive player in all of football, is still without a contract. According to multiple NFL insiders, Donald will not play a single snap under his current deal, regardless of fines and repercussions. The Rams would be smart to lock him up long-term as he has the ability to single-handedly change the course of a game. If he gets signed at some point his season, watch out.

Even without Donald, the 2018 Los Angeles Rams defense would be considered one of the best in the game. They added two of the best corners in the league in former Bronco Aqib Talib, and former Chief Marcus Peters. Add in Ndamukong Suh on the front line and pass or throw, teams will find themselves in trouble. Look for the Rams D to improve on their 12th ranked defense from last season.

Overall

The Seahawks have undoubtedly gotten worse, as have the Cardinals. The 49ers should be improved, but are likely a couple seasons away from contending. In what could be considered the easiest division in the NFC, expect the Rams to run away with the title, earn a first round BYE and make a run at the championship. At -130 odds, you may be smart to parlay their division win in order to improve your return.