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Rams vs. Raiders: Preview, score prediction and more for Week 1

By Randy Gurzi

OAKLAND, CA - AUGUST 19: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders looks to throw a pass against the Los Angeles Rams during the first quarter of their preseason NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on August 19, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - AUGUST 19: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders looks to throw a pass against the Los Angeles Rams during the first quarter of their preseason NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on August 19, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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The Los Angeles Rams will take on the Oakland Raiders on Monday Night Football in Week 1 of the 2018 NFL season.

As has become custom, the first week of the regular season will feature two games on Monday Night Football. The second of those two games gives us the Los Angeles Rams facing the Oakland Raiders.

Both franchises made big moves this offseason that have fans eager to see their team in action. The Rams surprised in the NFC West last year and added a lot of talent via trade — and still managed to lock up Aaron Donald with a multi-year deal.

The Raiders failed to lock up their defensive lineman as Khalil Mack was instead traded to the Bears shortly after Donald put pen to paper. It was a black eye for head coach Jon Gruden, who now has to prove he can still win without his star pass rusher.

Rams Keys to Victory

Los Angeles has a lot of weapons on offense, but none are as dangerous as Todd Gurley. Getting him going will be key as he opens everything up. As soon as the defense cheats up to contain him, players like Brandin Cooks and Robert Woods will be ready to make some big plays.

Defensively, they need to get after Derek Carr. The Raiders quarterback can light up the scoreboard if he gets comfortable in the pocket. If not, he’s prone to struggling. Getting after him early and often will be big in determining the outcome.

Raiders Keys to Victory

This is one of the oldest rosters ever, but they need those old guys to get going. Oakland’s counting on running back Marshawn Lynch and Jordy Nelson for a lot of their offense. If those two can turn back the clock a little, it can help the whole offense get going.

They also have to find a way to make Amari Cooper a threat again. He struggled mightily in 2017 and needs a fast start to this season. This ties into Lynch and Nelson, because if the rest of the offense is stagnant, the defense can put just about all their attention on Cooper.

Defensively, they just have to avoid the big play. L.A. will get their yardage and bending is fine. Breaking is not an option. The Raiders have to make them work hard for every inch of ground they cover.

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Rams -4.5
Moneyline: Rams -125, Raiders +105
Over/Under: 49.5

Odds courtesy of OddsShark

Next. 2018 NFL Power Rankings Week 1. dark

Prediction

This one feels like it could get ugly. Jon Gruden’s made many head-scratching moves since coming back to Oakland and the Rams are simply the better team. It’s likely this game features a lot of Todd Gurley running it to preserve a strong lead.

Final Score: Los Angeles Rams 31, Oakland Raiders 13

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