LA vs DEN Prediction, Odds and NFL Picks for Sunday, 09/27/26

Although the Rams and Broncos were both preseason favorites to contend in Super Bowl 61, they both got off to a rocky start. In the topsy-turvy nature of the NFL, Week 2 revealed what’s probably closer to their true natures.

Denver hosted Jacksonville and looked like they might go 0-2, falling behind and only putting up three points in the first half. It was their red-zone woes that really held them back early, particularly Bo Nix’s interception late in the second quarter on third and goal. A third-quarter interception by Trevor Lawrence turned the tide, and we started seeing a Denver team more reminiscent of its 2025 form. Eventually, the Broncos outgained the Jaguars 392-268 in total yards. Nix, who had been shaky to start the season under Davis Webb as his new play-caller, ended up completing 22 of 31 passes for 9.3 yards per pass, marks very similar to the higher-octane group we saw last season.

Defensively the Broncos also turned a corner in the second half, allowing only three points and 128 yards. They also hit Lawrence seven times, sacked him twice, and forced five tackles for a loss. Like a mummy waking up from its sarcophagus, the Broncos suddenly seemed to rediscover their rhythm, on both sides of the ball, after a shaky six opening quarters.

It's a bit tougher to evaluate the Rams. Obviously watching Matthew Stafford slice and dice a vulnerable New York Giants secondary was closer to LAR’s norm, but the Monday night game was barely competitive. After New York’s rising-star quarterback, Jaxson Dart, went down to a knee injury on the opening drive, there was a noticeable, guttural reaction from Big Blue’s sideline. Jameis Winston then proceeded to play some of the worst quarterbacking we’ve ever observed, unable to move the ball downfield. The Giants’ offense, which then called predictable run plays on repeat, choked on a prime opportunity after an interception gave them a shot to score at the goal line to end the first half.

Stafford’s errant throw and multiple bad penalties gave the Giants chances early, but ultimately they couldn’t keep pace without Dart. Los Angeles’ offense looked better, even without star wideout Puka Nacua, but it still wasn’t the crisp, dominating team we saw most of last season. 

Defensively, the best sign for the Rams is that Aaron Donald looked formidable. He didn’t blast through offensive linemen like he usually would, but he snagged one tackle for a loss and drew plenty of attention, helping create two sacks and 10 quarterback hits on Winston. 

The spot for the Broncos is considerably better. They’re at home, off a win, and they will have a full week to prepare. The Rams’ brutal schedule continues, two weeks removed from a trip to Australia, now back on the road on a short week to face an incredibly talented roster. Denver’s home field advantage is significant, too, we’d argue one of the most impressive in the NFL with the altitude and raucous fanbase. We also loved what Nix showed in the second half against a game-ready Jaguars’ program, unlike the Rams, who basically sleepwalked their way to a win. The value is on the home pooch.

Rams vs Broncos prediction: Broncos +2.5 (-105) available at time of publishing. Playable to +1.5 (-110).

There is a slight chance of rain in this contest, but not enough of a chance (and not significant enough of a storm) where it should affect scoring. The total sitting at this number is very similar to a spread of +5. The market is essentially saying they don't know which avenue to take, so we're going to plop this right in the middle of myriad key numbers.

On one hand, that makes sense; Los Angeles and Denver both have formidable defenses, and these are two unfamiliar opponents who may need to watch more film than usual to game-plan against such talented groups. At the same time, both Los Angeles and Denver benefit from head coaches who are oriented more on the offensive side of the ball, two gurus that lean into the significance of their quarterback and the need for explosive passing attacks.

That was plainly seen in their respective success in Week 2, where Bo Nix averaged 9.3 and Matthew Stafford averaged 9.9 yards per pass. It also helps that both offensive lines are outpacing their brethren on the other fronts. Denver holds the #1 spot at Pro Football Focus’ offensive line rankings and Los Angeles is already ranked top three in pass protection, surrendering a sack on just 1.67% of dropbacks.

Markets may be higher on the Rams’ defense after seeing a mostly successful return from Aaron Donald, and the box score certainly suggests they dominated the Giants (182 yards allowed). Of course, we know that New York turned into an entirely different, far more predictable operation once they lost their starting QB on the first drive, too.

Myles Garrett will not return for a few more weeks, and the Rams’ defense certainly looked more vulnerable in Week 1 against a better offense, too. Sean Payton, who undoubtedly still directs Davis Webb in play-calling duties, runs an aggressive West Coast scheme, similar to Kyle Shanahan in San Francisco, although Shanahan’s style is certainly more run-centric. The 49ers pummeled LAR in Week 1 with their dink-and-dunk method, one that racked up 379 yards and 23 first downs. We think their output could look very similar in this case.

The elite receivers on both teams don’t support a low-scoring game, either. Last Sunday, Jaylen Waddle showed why he was a great acquisition this offseason, catching eight balls for 138 yards. Nix also distributed the ball to 10 different receivers against Jacksonville, a sign of an offense finding its rhythm. On the other side, the Rams should get Puka Nacua back on Sunday night, while future Hall of Famer Davante Adams exploded against the G-Men (eight receptions, 195 yards, two touchdowns). 

Lastly, we love that both offenses have legitimate momentum heading into Sunday night, which we love to carry over into this exciting battle between two top-tier teams. This number is likely to rise, so bet this wager ASAP.

Rams vs Broncos best bet: Over 45.5 (-105) available at time of publishing. Playable to 46.5.