By Ben Gale

September 16, 2026 • 3:11 PM EDT

Updated 7 hours ago

The Rams’ Decision Not to Draft Linebackers Is Already Costing Them

The Los Angeles Rams lined up at SoFi Stadium on Sunday, September 14, and their defense was exposed, especially the linebacker corps. Depth chart and live injury data show Keir Thomas II and Eddie Walls III landed on IR ahead of kickoff, while Nate Landman and Omar Speights played through injuries and posted some of the lowest PFF grades for their unit. Opponents rushed at will and exploited the flat.

Here’s the actionable layer: last year’s 12-5 Rams are no longer priced accurately when you correct for this kind of defensive downgrade. Market openers almost always lag on mid-tier defensive injuries, especially at linebacker. That creates an exploitable window right now.

This data-backed blind spot is one sharp bettors are already attacking, the edge goes toward opponent rushing props, short-yardage receiver props, and the over on both game total and opponent team total. Watch the Seahawks’ lines especially if their team total opens below 24.5. The Rams will be without depth and have zero coverage linebacker who can credibly handle tight ends or short-route backs. That’s why running backs and tight ends facing Los Angeles could hit career games in the first month.

The Rams’ Linebacker Issues Aren’t Reflected in the Betting Line Yet

Related: Myles Garrett Injury Leaves Los Angeles Rams Exposed on the Spread This Week

The BDL injury feed confirms everything the film showed: Landman is still nursing a shoulder and thumb, Speights is banged up, and neither can stop leakage on inside runs. PFF’s Week 1 data rated both well below average, and not a single linebacker finished above the 35th percentile in their key coverage metrics. Rookies like Schwesinger, Trotter, and Rodriguez, the ones the Rams passed on, dominated their NFL debuts elsewhere. That’s not just a talent regret. It’s a live betting opportunity.

The line is still being built off last year’s results and the Rams’ recognition, while the core weakness at linebacker is a new (and severe) market development. Smart money is already jumping on fading the Rams against teams with strong run games and hitting the over on game totals while odds remain stale. The Seahawks, next on the Rams’ schedule, feature a run-first script and a TE group the Rams can’t defend with current personnel. Bettors who move early grab the edge before the market corrects.

• Multiple Rams linebackers (Keir Thomas II, Eddie Walls III) are now on IR: depth is gone and that invites opponent team total overs.
• Nate Landman and Omar Speights are both on the injury report and underperforming: fade the Rams’ run and coverage defenses.
• Rookies the Rams passed on (Schwesinger, Trotter, Rodriguez) made splash debuts for their new teams: the draft fumble already hurts this defense.
• Week 1 performance and PFF grading both show Rams linebackers below league average: confirms overs and fade strategy.

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• Market lines have not yet adjusted for these linebacker downgrades: creates a rare value window for sharp bettors.

Key Takeaways for Your Bets

• Back the over on Rams’ opponent team totals until their linebackers get healthy or improve.
• Hit running back overs (yards, TDs, receptions) when matched against the Rams.
• Target tight end and slot receiver props for Rams opponents, especially in short-yardage routes.
• Fade the Rams against the spread vs. run-heavy teams like the Seahawks.
• Track Rams injury updates, if Landman or Speights sit, double down on these overs.
• If the Seahawks’ team total opens below 24.5, take the over immediately.
• Watch for late steam on Rams opponents, especially sharp money on overs and props.
• Unless Rams linebacking talent or health shows a real turnaround, do not back their defense in any major market.

“It’s clear we have to play better at linebacker, teams are seeing the tape.”Sean McVay, Los Angeles Rams head coach

Back Rams opponent overs and fade the Rams against the spread. The data is clear: the linebacker group is broken, injuries have gutted depth, and the market is still catching up. The full record and tonight’s updated pick are on the Los Angeles Rams picks page.

This article was produced with AI assistance by Ben Gale, with editorial standards and betting methodology overseen by Richard Gale (senior gambling industry executive, ThePicks founder), and reviewed by the ThePicks editorial team. All statistics sourced from live BDL API data and verified source material. All betting opinions are those of ThePicks analysts.

https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/rams-decision-not-draft-linebacker-185514188.html

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