Bills vs Rams NFL Week 1 Injury Report

Football is finally back! 30 weeks has passed since the Rams were crowned Champions and on Thursday they will start the defense of their title against the Buffalo Bills who open the season as favorites to win this years Super Bowl (+600 at FanDuel Sportsbook). Both teams are built to go deep into the playoffs although each hold key issues heading into Week 1.

The reigning champions come into the new season with more questions than answers but hold most of the same talented squad that won it all last year. Wideout Odell Beckham is gone but not forgotten (weirdly his locker is still intact at SoFi stadium) but has been replaced on the roster by Penn Stater Allen Robinson, who is more than capable of replicating the production. 

The bigger loss is fellow wideout Robert Woods who shuttled himself to Tennessee and will not be easily replaced, especially in the run game as he was one of the best run blocking WRs before his ACL tear.

The big injury question heading into the game and season is the health status of Matt Stafford’s elbow which has been a cause for concern all offseason. As detailed previously, the Pro Football Docs are not concerned about the quarterback's elbow and don't see any issues arising going forward. Obviously the Rams will need to monitor the star QB and manage practice reps but Stafford should not be affected by the elbow issue.  

Another injury issue on the offensive end is the health of speedy wideout Van Jefferson. The former Florida Gator has undergone two procedures of his knee this offseason with the second coming deep into training camp. Although the wideout is recovering well, the Rams will have to play without the speedster on Thursday. 

Besides looking awkwardly at former star rusher Von Miller on the away team sidelines, the defense has no pressing concerns with feisty CB Jalen Ramsey now off PUP after undergoing surgery on both shoulders this offseason. They go into Week 1 with a super healthy 93.9 SIC score on defense and are the healthier squad overall. 

Injury-Based Pick 

Bills-Rams O52.5

Both teams carry potent offenses that can score against anybody and combined with the injuries on the Bills defense/the confidence in Stafford’s elbow - expect the game to go over 52 combined points, last two NFL Kickoff games have gone over 53 points.

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