Buffalo Bills vs. Los Angeles Rams – Week 1 Betting Preview

The 2022 NFL season opens with the Thursday night kickoff game between the Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Rams. The matchup pits the Super Bowl favorites against the reigning Super Bowl champions. 

Coming off a loss in their epic Divisional Round playoff game with the Kansas City Chiefs, the Bills have the best odds to hoist the Vince Lombardi Trophy in February. Buffalo is favored by nearly a field goal on the road. In what’s considered to be a relatively weak NFC, the Rams are viewed as one of the top contenders. 

When is Buffalo Bills vs. Los Angeles Rams Week 1?

Date/Time: Sept. 8, 8:20 p.m. ET 
Arena: Sofi Stadium 
How to watch: NBC
Weather: 86 degrees, 8 mph winds, 0% chance of rain
Opening odds: Rams -1 | O/U 52

Week 1 Bills vs. Rams Betting Odds

Here’s a look at the latest point spread and total for Thursday’s matchup.

Opening Odds — Bills vs. Rams

The Rams opened as one-point favorites when the 2022 schedule was released in May. The odds shifted in favor of the Bills during the offseason, and bettors can wager on Los Angeles as 2.5-point underdogs. Buffalo’s biggest addition was free agent Von Miller, who recorded two sacks for the Rams in the Super Bowl. Josh Allen is the MVP favorite after totaling 771 passing and rushing yards, nine touchdowns and no turnovers in two playoff games. Some bettors might have concerns about Matthew Stafford’s elbow injury, which the quarterback will have to manage all year.

The total remains 52 at most sportsbooks. The Bills had the league’s top-ranked defense and the No. 3 scoring offense a season ago. The Rams tied for seventh in points scored and gave up more points than almost half the league. 

Week 1 – Rams vs. Bills Betting Stats to Know

• Super Bowl champions are 6-1 in NFL kickoff games since 2014
• Rams are 5-0 straight up and ATS in Week 1 under Sean McVay
• Rams are 3-0 straight up and ATS in their last three games as underdogs
• Bills are 4-0 straight up and ATS in their last four games as favorites 
• Rams held three of four playoff opponents to 20 points or fewer
• Bills were first in opponents’ yards per game (272.8), yards per play (4.6), points per game (17.0) and passer rating (65.3) last season
• Matthew Stafford’s over/under is 0.5 interceptions — he’s been picked off in 11 of 17 regular-season games with the Rams
• Josh Allen’s over/under is 1.5 passing touchdowns — he’s gone over that total in 26 of the last 33 games
• Cooper Kupp’s over/under is 89.5 receiving yards — he’s surpassed that mark in 16 of the last 17 games
• Stefon Diggs’ over/under is 68.5 receiving yards — he’s gone over that total in 10 of the last 17 games
• Aaron Donald’s over/under is 3.5 tackles and assists — he’s had at least five tackles and assists in eight straight games