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The Linemakers
<a class="postlink" href="http://linemakers.sportingnews.com/nfl/2013-09-06/cardinals-vs-rams-point-spread-pick-odds-betting-line-injuries" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://linemakers.sportingnews.com/nfl/ ... e-injuries</a>
VIDEO HERE
The St. Louis Rams and Arizona Cardinals have the unenviable task of dealing with the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks in the NFC West. With one-quarter of the Rams’ and Cardinals’ 2013 games against these powerhouses, taking care of business throughout the rest of the schedule is a must. In short, Sunday’s Rams-Cardinals game at the Edward Jones Dome (4:25 p.m. ET, Fox) could be vitally important to both clubs.
Line: Rams -4.5, Total 41.5.
Line movement and notes: The Rams were favored by as many as 6 points for a good portion of the offseason, but that number was too rich for many bettors' tastes and has come down. The total, meanwhile, has stayed relatively steady from its opening of 41, although it's inched up to 41.5 at multiple shops.
History and trends: The Rams covered in all six divisional games a season ago after posting a 1-5 mark vs. the number against the NFC West in 2011. Overall, St. Louis was 11-5 ATS in 2012. The Cardinals won and covered in their first three games a season ago but were 2-11 straight-up and 4-8-1 ATS thereafter. Arizona and St. Louis have split the last six games from a straight up and against the spread perspective.
Cardinals outlook: As usual, so much rides on the talent surrounding star wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald in Arizona. Can new quarterback Carson Palmer bring some stability to the passing game? Also, will new tailback Rashard Mendenhall hold up for 16 games after an injury-plagued 2012 with Pittsburgh? The play of the offensive line also bears watching.
Palmer’s ability to throw the deep ball has long been one of his assets, and new coach Bruce Arians surely wants his offense to attack downfield. But will Palmer have the time he needs against a strong St. Louis pass rush?
The Cardinals’ defense has a new coordinator, with Todd Bowles replacing Ray Horton, who now holds the same position in Cleveland. The Cards will continue to employ a 3-4 scheme. Arizona held Rams quarterback Sam Bradford to just 15 completions in 38 attempts in the two matchups from a season ago, but three of those completions were touchdowns of 37 yards or more.
Rams outlook: The Rams’ defense is formidable, with skilled players from the front four to the secondary. Edge rushers Chris Long and Robert Quinn combined for 22 of the Rams’ 51 sacks in 2012, with four coming in the first meeting with Arizona.
The Rams’ offense has some intriguing pass-catching talent in wide receivers Chris Givens, Tavon Austin, and tight end Jared Cook. Quarterback Sam Bradford has a strong and accurate arm, and could be poised to break out this season. Second-year pro Daryl Richardson gets the call to replace Steven Jackson at running back. Overall, this is an offense with some upside, but will that potential be realized?
Key injuries: Cardinals running back Rashard Mendenhall (knee) was limited Wednesday but appears ready to go. Cardinals tight end Rob Housler (high-ankle sprain) did not practice Wednesday, and his status for Sunday could be in question. Cardinals nose tackle Dan Williams (ankle) was a limited participant Wednesday.
The Rams appear relatively healthy.
Injury updates: Rams | Cardinals
The Linemakers’ lean: This is a weird situation, since we’re not used to seeing the Rams be a favorite, and they're a pretty large one at that. They were favored only twice last season and lost both games. The Rams won both meetings as underdogs last season, but we're not sure what to expect out of Carson Palmer this season, even with a solid receiving corps in Arizona. If the offensive line can protect him – and that’s a big IF – Arizona has a good chance to be competitive in every game. Average quarterback play last season was all they were missing last season. Remember, this team went into Foxboro last season and won.
We think very highly of Sam Bradford and all his new weapons on offense and believe we’ll see his best season yet.
Last season, the totals in these two games were 36 and 38.5, and one went UNDER and the other went OVER. This year it’s posted at 41, and it might not be enough with so many improvements made by each team offensively. The best play in the game is OVER 41.
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Historical point spread data courtesy of Marc Lawrence’s 2013 Stat and Log Book.
<a class="postlink" href="http://linemakers.sportingnews.com/nfl/2013-09-06/cardinals-vs-rams-point-spread-pick-odds-betting-line-injuries" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://linemakers.sportingnews.com/nfl/ ... e-injuries</a>
VIDEO HERE
The St. Louis Rams and Arizona Cardinals have the unenviable task of dealing with the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks in the NFC West. With one-quarter of the Rams’ and Cardinals’ 2013 games against these powerhouses, taking care of business throughout the rest of the schedule is a must. In short, Sunday’s Rams-Cardinals game at the Edward Jones Dome (4:25 p.m. ET, Fox) could be vitally important to both clubs.
Line: Rams -4.5, Total 41.5.
Line movement and notes: The Rams were favored by as many as 6 points for a good portion of the offseason, but that number was too rich for many bettors' tastes and has come down. The total, meanwhile, has stayed relatively steady from its opening of 41, although it's inched up to 41.5 at multiple shops.
History and trends: The Rams covered in all six divisional games a season ago after posting a 1-5 mark vs. the number against the NFC West in 2011. Overall, St. Louis was 11-5 ATS in 2012. The Cardinals won and covered in their first three games a season ago but were 2-11 straight-up and 4-8-1 ATS thereafter. Arizona and St. Louis have split the last six games from a straight up and against the spread perspective.
Cardinals outlook: As usual, so much rides on the talent surrounding star wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald in Arizona. Can new quarterback Carson Palmer bring some stability to the passing game? Also, will new tailback Rashard Mendenhall hold up for 16 games after an injury-plagued 2012 with Pittsburgh? The play of the offensive line also bears watching.
Palmer’s ability to throw the deep ball has long been one of his assets, and new coach Bruce Arians surely wants his offense to attack downfield. But will Palmer have the time he needs against a strong St. Louis pass rush?
The Cardinals’ defense has a new coordinator, with Todd Bowles replacing Ray Horton, who now holds the same position in Cleveland. The Cards will continue to employ a 3-4 scheme. Arizona held Rams quarterback Sam Bradford to just 15 completions in 38 attempts in the two matchups from a season ago, but three of those completions were touchdowns of 37 yards or more.
Rams outlook: The Rams’ defense is formidable, with skilled players from the front four to the secondary. Edge rushers Chris Long and Robert Quinn combined for 22 of the Rams’ 51 sacks in 2012, with four coming in the first meeting with Arizona.
The Rams’ offense has some intriguing pass-catching talent in wide receivers Chris Givens, Tavon Austin, and tight end Jared Cook. Quarterback Sam Bradford has a strong and accurate arm, and could be poised to break out this season. Second-year pro Daryl Richardson gets the call to replace Steven Jackson at running back. Overall, this is an offense with some upside, but will that potential be realized?
Key injuries: Cardinals running back Rashard Mendenhall (knee) was limited Wednesday but appears ready to go. Cardinals tight end Rob Housler (high-ankle sprain) did not practice Wednesday, and his status for Sunday could be in question. Cardinals nose tackle Dan Williams (ankle) was a limited participant Wednesday.
The Rams appear relatively healthy.
Injury updates: Rams | Cardinals
The Linemakers’ lean: This is a weird situation, since we’re not used to seeing the Rams be a favorite, and they're a pretty large one at that. They were favored only twice last season and lost both games. The Rams won both meetings as underdogs last season, but we're not sure what to expect out of Carson Palmer this season, even with a solid receiving corps in Arizona. If the offensive line can protect him – and that’s a big IF – Arizona has a good chance to be competitive in every game. Average quarterback play last season was all they were missing last season. Remember, this team went into Foxboro last season and won.
We think very highly of Sam Bradford and all his new weapons on offense and believe we’ll see his best season yet.
Last season, the totals in these two games were 36 and 38.5, and one went UNDER and the other went OVER. This year it’s posted at 41, and it might not be enough with so many improvements made by each team offensively. The best play in the game is OVER 41.
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Historical point spread data courtesy of Marc Lawrence’s 2013 Stat and Log Book.
