The Christmas Day NFL game between the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Rams may not have stakes on the line, but that doesn’t mean there are no opportunities to find value when it comes to betting on the game. Let’s take a look at some intriguing NFL prop bets for the Broncos vs. Rams game today.
Broncos vs. Rams: Top Prop Bets To Target
This game is a somewhat weird one to judge with the way both teams sit in the 2022 NFL standings. Both teams are very much playing for pride at this point, having already been eliminated from the playoffs.
Additionally, we also have to factor in that players from both sides are in the final year of their current contracts and, therefore, are looking to impress teams in an opportunity where this is the only NFL game taking place at the time.
Los Angeles Rams Under 16.5 Points | -105
The Broncos’ defense has been extremely good this year, allowing an average of just 18.1 points to opposing teams. In two of their last three games, they’ve held opposing offenses with backup QBs to fewer than 17 points. A big part of that has been their ability to shut down opposing passing games. Just once in the last four weeks has a team thrown for more than 200 yards against Denver, and that was the almighty Patrick Mahomes.
As a unit, the Broncos’ defense will relish facing a Rams offense that has averaged 15.75 points per game since their bye in Week 7. In the last two games with Baker Mayfield under center, LA has averaged just 14.5 points, and 14 of the 29 points came in a furious fourth quarter against a Las Vegas Raiders’ defense that collapsed in a heap on Thursday Night Football.
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Therefore, the Broncos have a great opportunity to hold the Rams to fewer than 17 points this week. Los Angeles is without Cooper Kupp, Allen Robinson II, and Ben Skowronek this week. That trio opened the season as the top three wide receivers. Now, Mayfield will be left with just one receiver that would have pushed to be a starter when the season began — Van Jefferson.
Additionally, the Rams will find it tough to attack the Broncos with their run game. Los Angeles averages just 85.1 rushing yards per game at an average of 3.7 yards per attempt. It’s hard to envisage the Rams moving the ball consistently this week against this defense.
Shortest Field Goal Over 27.5 Yards | -105
This prop selection might be slightly out of left field but bear with me. A field goal of 27 yards or shorter would usually be snapped from around the eight or nine-yard line. Therefore, you’re really looking at a failed goal-line stand or a drive stalling around the 5-yard line.
With both of these two teams already eliminated from the playoffs, the win in this game becomes somewhat less important. With this in mind, we may see coaches be more aggressive once inside the red zone or even the 10-yard line. In a game where pride is on the line, expect a lot more aggression in and around the goal line from both sides in this area of the field.
Denver Broncos D/ST Anytime TD | +750
Denver’s defense could make this a long day for Mayfield and the Rams’ offense. They average one interception and 1.36 turnovers per game this season.
The Rams’ offense, meanwhile, is tied for the second-highest sack percentage in the NFL at 10. Their 51 sacks allowed are tied for the most of any team, and the Broncos’ defense is a top-12 unit when it comes to defensive sack percentage.
We could see plenty of mistakes coming in this one with Mayfield under pressure. The Broncos have yet to score a defensive touchdown, but this game could present an opportunity for them to open their account.