The NFL’s last two MVPs meet under the lights Monday night when Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams host Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills at SoFi Stadium.

The Rams (2-2) are 2.5-point favorites at DraftKings, and they’re coming off a much-needed road win over the Eagles, where Stafford kept moving the chains on third down with Puka Nacua as his go-to target. The Bills (3-1) head west looking to bounce back after the Patriots knocked them from the ranks of the unbeaten.

There’s history here, too. The last time these two met at SoFi in December 2024, the Rams held on for a 44-42 win despite Allen putting up six total touchdowns in what turned into an MVP season. Oddsmakers are expecting plenty of points again, and it’s easy to see why with both offenses running the ball as efficiently as anyone in the league.

The Rams are also making a bit of history on Monday as the first team to play four of their first five games in prime time.

Ahead of kickoff, we break down the latest Rams vs. Bills odds, our predictions and best bets, plus the top sportsbook promos for Monday Night Football. Plus, new users can bet $5 on this game and get $150 in Bonus Bets at DraftKings Sportsbook.

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Rams vs. Bills prediction

This one has shootout written all over it.

Start with the Bills’ offense, which might be the most dangerous unit in football right now. Josh Allen is pushing the ball downfield more than any quarterback in the league, and Buffalo leads the NFL in explosive play rate. They’ve also been nearly automatic on third down, converting more than half their chances.

The Rams’ defense has been very good at taking away the big play, so something has to give there. That said, the matchup to watch is up front. Buffalo’s offensive line has struggled to keep Allen clean, and the Rams bring one of the better pass rushes in the league. If Allen has to extend plays, though, that’s usually when he’s at his best.

On the other side, Matthew Stafford should have a field day against a Bills defense that’s had a hard time getting off the field. Opponents are moving the ball on them with ease, and they’ve been especially vulnerable through the air. The Rams also play fast, running more plays per game than all but two teams, which only adds to the scoring potential.

The injury report tilts things further toward points. Ed Oliver and Dee Alford didn’t practice Thursday, and losing either would thin out a Buffalo defense that already can’t afford it. Puka Nacua looked like himself last week with nine catches for 125 yards, and he’s in line for another big night.

The Rams have some issues of their own on defense, with Nate Landman, Grant Stuard and Quentin Lake all missing practice. A banged-up linebacker group isn’t what you want against an offense that runs the ball as well as Buffalo does.

Expect both teams to trade haymakers indoors at SoFi. In the end, I’ll trust Allen to make one more play than Stafford, with Buffalo’s special teams giving them the edge in a game that should come down to the final possession.

Prediction: Bills 34, Rams 30

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Rams vs. Bills odds

All odds are courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook. If you’re a new DraftKings user, be sure to take advantage of their new-user welcome bonus

Teams

Spread

Moneyline

Total

Rams

-2.5 (-118)

-148

O 54.5 (-115)

Bills

+2.5 (-102)

+124

U 54.5 (-105)

Rams vs. Bills best bets

Williams is coming off a 10-catch performance on 13 targets against Philadelphia. With Buffalo struggling defensively and the Rams facing a team capable of putting points on the board, I expect Matthew Stafford to lean on his running back as a safety valve. Williams doesn’t need another massive receiving performance to cash this ticket. Three or four catches could easily get him over 20.5 yards, particularly if Buffalo generates pressure and Stafford is forced to get the ball out quickly. I like this angle considerably more than laying a field goal against Josh Allen.

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There’s a reason this total has climbed from its opening number of 53.5. Both offenses have enough firepower to turn this into a shootout, particularly with the way Buffalo has defended the pass. Three of the Bills’ first four games have gone over the total, and their defense just surrendered 29 points to New England. On the other side, Josh Allen has been outstanding indoors throughout his career, averaging 8.81 yards per attempt and posting a 110.1 passer rating in nine dome appearances. When these teams met in 2024, Allen accounted for six touchdowns and 424 total yards. I’m expecting both quarterbacks to find success moving the football, and neither defense has me convinced this game stays in the 40s.

MORE: Full guide to NFL receiving prop futures

This might be my favorite angle of the matchup. Buffalo’s secondary has struggled considerably through four games, ranking 27th in pass defense DVOA. Stafford has two legitimate No. 1 receiving options in Nacua and Adams, giving him favorable matchups regardless of how Buffalo approaches coverage. The Rams just produced 415 yards of offense against Philadelphia, and Stafford now gets a defense that allowed Drake Maye to have his best performance of the season. Buffalo’s offense should also do enough to keep Los Angeles throwing throughout the game. In a matchup carrying a total north of 54 points, I expect Stafford to approach 300 passing yards.

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Best NFL sportsbook welcome bonuses

Here are some of the current Sporting News sportsbook welcome offers to consider when comparing legal betting sites. Promotions change frequently and depend on state eligibility.

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Best SGP for Rams vs. Bills

Here is our favorite same game parlay for Monday Night Football:

  • Josh Allen touchdown: Allen is still the Bills’ best goal-line weapon, and they aren’t shy about calling his number when they get close. The Rams have been just middle of the pack against the run, so I like his chances of punching one in himself on Monday.
  • Over 54.5: The last time these two teams shared the field, they combined for 86 points, and not much has changed with either offense. The Over has also been a strong bet for both teams lately, cashing in seven of their last 10 games apiece.
  • Kyren Williams 3+ receptions: Buffalo has some legit edge rushers in Bradley Chubb and company, which should push Stafford toward quicker throws underneath. Williams is the natural outlet there, and the Bills’ linebackers have left some openings in coverage that he can take advantage of.
  • Odds: (+342 on FanDuel)
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