The 2022 NFL season kicks off with a bang as two titans from the AFC and NFC face off with the hopes of beginning their season in the win column.
The highly anticipated contest features the Buffalo Bills, who are currently favorites to win the Super Bowl, squaring off against the Los Angeles Rams, the reigning champs.
When does the 2022 NFL season start?
The Bills will head to SoFi Stadium Thursday night to take on the Rams, with the game kicking off at 8:20 p.m.
How to watch NFL kickoff game
Thursday’s regular season-opener will be aired nationwide on NBC. Fans will additionally be able to stream the game on Peacock, which provides prospective users with a seven-day free trial. Those at home can also listen in on WGR 550.
Bills vs. Rams record and history
The Bills are coming off an 11-6 season in which they were chased out of the playoffs in the Divisional Round following an overtime thriller against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Rams fared far better than their upcoming opponent, posting a 12-5 regular season before defeating the Cincinnati Bengals, 23-20, in the Super Bowl.
The last time these two teams competed against one another was on September 20, 2020. The high-scoring shootout, in which Buffalo emerged victorious 35-32, featured several dominant performances from many of the stars who will take the field in the upcoming contest.
Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp finished the game with nine receptions for 107 yards and a touchdown, while defensive tackle Aaron Donald wreaked havoc in the backfield with two sacks. As for the other side, Bills quarterback Josh Allen went 24/33 with 311 yards and four scores, one of which went to his favorite weapon, wide receiver Stefon Diggs.
What to expect in Bills vs. Rams
Though many of the big names from their last matchup in 2020 remain, several new faces will additionally appear this year.
Then-Rams signal-caller Jared Goff has since been replaced by Matthew Stafford, who comes off his debut season for Los Angeles in which he threw 41 touchdowns. Concerns have arisen this offseason, however, surrounding the 34-year-old pass-slinger’s “abnormal” elbow pain.
The Bills will also be debuting a new star defenseman in Von Miller, who joined the team on a six-year, $120 million contract this offseason after winning a ring with the Rams.
Bills-Rams betting info
The Bills were initially 1-point favorites for the opening contest, though have risen to 2-point favorites over the Rams following reports of Stafford’s recurring elbow discomfort, per BetMGM. The over-under for total points scored sits at 52.5 on Action Network, with Buffalo being a -137 moneyline bet and Los Angeles at +114.
The Bills actively rank as the betting Super Bowl favorites at +600, with the Rams four spots behind at +1200 on DraftKings.
