How the Rams Can Avoid a Trap Game vs. Titans

The Los Angeles Rams have a great chance to continue their hot start to the 2025 NFL season. After downing the Houston Texans, 14-9, they come into a favorable matchup against the Tennessee Titans in Week 2. The Titans landed the number one pick in this past draft after a miserable 3-14 campaign in 2024.

They're projected to contend for the top selection once again this season. They looked the part in their opener against the Denver Broncos, dropping to 0-1 with a 20-12 loss. They were able to hold their opponent to just 20 points, but that was more of an indictment of Bo Nix's turnovers than an endorsement of the Titans' defense.

On the other hand, the Rams proved their mettle in Week 1. Quarterback Matthew Stafford and the passing game were able to move the ball well against a top-tier Houston defense; meanwhile, LA's pass-rush consistently got into the backfield and kept C.J. Stroud on the run, limiting the Texans' attack to just nine points. That bodes well for their chances to go 2-0 against the Titans.

Houston Texans, Los Angeles Rams, NFL, Byron Young, C.J. Stroud — Sep 7, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams linebacker Byron Young (0) sacks Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) during the second quarter at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Rams heavily favored against the Titans

FanDuel is cautiously optimistic about the Los Angeles Rams' chances to start their 2025 season 2-0. Against the Tennessee Titans, LA is listed at -255 on the moneyline, favored by 5.5 points.

Some aren't expecting it to come as easily. All five of NFL.com's panel of editors picked LA in this Week 2 matchup, with an average margin of victory of 4.2 points. Ali Bhanpuri predicted a 23-18 win for the Rams:

"Tough break for Cam Ward. Dude kicks off his NFL career against a nasty Broncos defense, taking six sacks and getting pressured on 50 percent of his dropbacks, then has to face a relentless Rams front just seven days later. L.A. did a number on the Texans last weekend, pitching a shutout after the break and keeping them out of the end zone for the entire 60.

Stroud was under constant pressure - 41% of drop backs (19 of 27 for 188 yards)

only 3 attempts of 20+ and 8 attempts of 10+

Texans O gameplan was clearly a quick pass game, which still got him pressured at above career average pressure rate for him

This D line is forreal pic.twitter.com/ZqN3bvNu5w
— East Coast Rams Pod (@EastCoastRams) September 8, 2025

Although the Rams haven't been a blitz-heavy team under Chris Shula, I suspect the second-year defensive coordinator might add some heat to his play sheet after studying the Titans-Broncos film: Ward was 0-of-6 passing with four sacks against extra pressure in Denver. I think there was a lot to like from Tennessee in the season opener, from the team's stout defensive effort to Ward's moxie in key moments. But I believe the Rams are simply in a different class right now."

Practically no one is giving the Titans a chance in this one. That's encouraging for the Rams' perception as a contender for this season, but it's also setting up a classic trap game. Head Coach Sean McVay will have to ensure that his team takes their opponent seriously in Week 2.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Follow us on X (Twitter) @RamsInsideronSI and @BrockVierra for all our latest updates on the Rams' odds throughout the 2025 NFL season.

Please let us know your thoughts on these picks when you like our Facebook page, WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.