NFL Monday Night Football preview: Rams, without Myles Garrett and perhaps Puka Nacua too, already in big spot vs. Giants

It didn't take long for the Los Angeles Rams to go from the most popular preseason Super Bowl pick to feeling a little desperate.

The first days of the season have been bad for the Rams. They had an ugly 27-7 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Australia. After the game, defensive end Myles Garrett had knee surgery, went on injured reserve and doesn't have a timetable for return. Then receiver Puka Nacua popped up on the injury report with a hip injury and a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter on Sunday said his status is trending in the "wrong direction" for Monday night's game against the New York Giants .

So in less than two weeks the Rams lost their opener with practically every player performing below their standard, then lost arguably the best defensive player in the NFL for a stretch and might have to be without one of the league's best offensive players against the Giants .

The Giants don't look like a pushover this season either. New York was excellent in its opener against the Dallas Cowboys , which was a 28-20 win. The Giants offense had an efficient night, controlling the ball for 36:40, and the defense did a good job controlling Dallas' offense. There were evident changes in the first game of the John Harbaugh era.

The Rams have already seen the Seahawks and 49ers start the season 2-0 in the NFC West. Falling to 0-2 in one of the NFL's toughest divisions would be an early hole the Rams never expected to find themselves in. But without two of the NFL's best players, against a Giants team that looked much improved in its opener, it's a possibility for the Rams at the start of what was supposed to be a championship season.

Even with Myles Garrett out and Puka Nacua possibly out as well, the Rams are favored to win by a touchdown. The Giants could lose on the road to a team that is still the Super Bowl betting favorite and be fine with a promising 1-1 start. The Rams would not be fine with an 0-2 start while battling some key injuries, with the Seahawks and 49ers looking great in their division. It's hard to call any game in Week 2 a must win, especially for a team as good as the Rams, but another loss would not be great. Their upcoming schedule is at Denver , at Philadelphia , vs. Bills. An 0-2 start could become 1-4 or worse. There's a lot more pressure on Los Angeles this Monday night.

It was significant that the Giants, with John Harbaugh in charge, signed the tight end who he had in Baltimore but never broke out because he was behind Mark Andrews . Likely showed his promise when he played, then he signed a three-year, $40 million deal with Harbaugh's new team. In the season opener, Likely played a huge role with eight catches for 78 yards and two touchdowns. It seemed like every time Jaxson Dart needed a key play, he was looking Likely's way. Four of Likely's catches came on third downs, converting all four into first downs, and two came in the red zone. Malik Nabers is still a bit limited as he returns from a torn ACL, though he had six catches for 69 yards in the opener. The pressure is not entirely on Nabers to carry the passing game, because Likely is already a big factor.

This game will be a study in perception, as the Giants are coming off an impressive win last Sunday night over the Cowboys, while the Rams couldn't have looked much worse in Australia in a blowout loss to the 49ers. Los Angeles has also lost Myles Garrett for several weeks and star WR Puka Nacua is questionable to play in this game, so we've seen the line dip from Rams -7.5 in the offseason to -6.5. The betting public is taking the points with New York, but I'd preach caution. Heading into this weekend, the Rams were still the highest power-rated team in the NFL, according to oddsmakers I spoke with, and one bad game doesn't make a season. Watch out for a thin Giants cornerback rotation as well, with Paulson Adebo out and Deonte Banks questionable. Look for Los Angeles to get back on track tonight and cover this spread.

Check out more of Ben's work at the Yahoo Sports betting hub .

Fantasy football storylines, by Scott Pianowski

Many fantasy matchups will be settled as the Rams and Giants wrap up Week 2. Here are three fantasy angles to keep in mind as you watch the game.

1. What is the second pitch in the Rams passing game? Puka Nacua will either play this game at less than 100% or miss it entirely. He was the only Los Angeles player to go over 26 yards receiving in the opener. It's essential for Davante Adams , Terrance Ferguson and others to step up here, with or without Nacua.

2. Can Jaxson Dart play another clean game? Dart took just two sacks and had zero turnovers as the Giants controlled the clock and took care of Dallas in Week 1. Dart's challenge is far greater against this Los Angeles defense, even with the Rams missing Myles Garrett. If Dart is on point, Isaiah Likely (8-78-2 in the opener) is capable of furthering a breakout season.

3. What is the backfield split for the Rams? Kyren Willams had 14 touches in the opener, while Blake Corum handled 10. Corum's success rate was higher, but Williams had more receiving work and also punched in a short touchdown. A healthy Williams will be a fantasy staple all year, but the emerging Corum could push for RB3 territory right away — and would be an automatic starter later in the year if Williams were to get hurt.

Check out more of Scott's work at the Yahoo Sports fantasy hub .