The St. Louis Rams and Oakland Raiders kick off their preseason tonight in Oakland. Both teams enter this season with significant changes. The Rams traded with the Eagles to acquire quarterback Nick Foles for Sam Bradford. Bradford was once thought to be the Rams quarterback of the future but injuries dampened his career with the team. They also drafted Georgia running back Todd Gurley with their first round pick. Gurley is continuing to recover from a torn ACL.
For the Raiders, tonight marks the beginning of the Jack Del Rio era. Del Rio was hired over the off-season as the new head coach. The Raiders selected Alabama star wide receiver Amari Cooper with the fourth pick in the NFL Draft. They also signed veteran wide receiver Michael Crabtree. Oakland hopes that adding more offensive weapons will help second-year quarterback Derek Carr to flourish. Here are all the details about tonight’s preseason game:
The Basics
Who:
St. Louis Rams vs. Oakland Raiders
When:
Friday, August 14, 7:00 PM PT
Channel:
KTVU (Oakland area)
KTVI Fox 2 (St. Louis area)
Where:
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum; Oakland, California
Line:
(Odds are accoring to OddsShark and subject to change)
St. Louis Rams -1
Oakland Raiders +1
Last Meeting:
The Rams crushed the Raiders last season 52-0. Rams running back Tre Mason ran for 117 yards and 2 touchdowns.
St. Louis Rams Preview
All eyes will be on the quarterback position as Nick Foles is expected to make his St. Louis debut tonight against the Raiders. The Rams hope Foles can be the missing piece that helps them get over the hump and make the playoffs. The Rams have had solid teams over the past two seasons but play in the challenging NFC West. The team already has an imposing defensive marked by one of the best pass rushes in the league.
Oakland Raiders Preview
The Raiders are back. (Getty)
Rookie wide receiver Amari Cooper is expected to make his NFL debut tonight. Cooper adds an explosive dimension that the Raiders have missed in recent years. It will also be interesting to see how Carr improves from his first to second season in the league. With the additions of Cooper and Crabtree, the Raiders offense could be one to watch. Running back Latavius Murray, who showed flashes of brilliance last season, is expected to be the starting running back.
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Rams vs. Raiders: Time, Channel & Line