Baltimore Ravens (-4) at St. Louis Rams, Total 42.5 |
Baltimore turned in a dud performance last week in dropping a 26-13 contest to the Tennessee Titans as 5.5-point road favorites, as the team was out-gained by 203 yards just a week after a convincing 35-7 home win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Ravens will now be on the road for a second consecutive and will return home to face the New York Jets on prime-time television next Sunday. Baltimore last faced St. Louis in 2007, picking up a 22-3 win as nine-point home favorites.
Much of practice this week has been spent on preparing for a no-huddle attack from the Rams, as the team could be without running back Steven Jackson for a second consecutive week. “It’s going to be interesting,” stated Ravens safety Ed Reed. “Playing last week helped us out a lot.”
The defense can’t wait to get back on the field, as it allowed 432 yards against the Titans, just a week after causing seven turnovers by the Steelers. Baltimore’s secondary was shredded for 358 yards by Tennessee’s Matt Hasselbeck.
It will be a significant test this week in facing Rams second-year quarterback Sam Bradford, who set league rookie passing records in completions and attempts last seasons.
The NFL betting odds have made the Ravens road favorites again, as the team is 0-1 ATS when laying 3.5 to 7 points away from home the last two years.
St. Louis has dropped both of its first two games straight-up and against-the-spread, which has many wondering if it can avoid dropping to 0-3 against one of the AFC’s best teams. “Just too many mistakes in the red zone,” commented Bradford. “When you get down there you have to come away with touchdowns.”
The Rams are hoping that Jackson can return from a leg injury this week, as the team rushed for just 59 yards against the Giants, including 36 from backup Cadillac Williams. Some type of running game is necessary in keeping the Ravens’ vaunted defense honest.
Starting out this way is nothing new for the franchise, as it’s 0-2 for the fifth straight season and has lost three in a row in three of the last four years.
Bradford would be smart in targeting wide receiver Danario Alexander down field, as he has played in nine games during his career and has 23 catches for 428 yards and two touchdowns. He will be a tough matchup for Baltimore’s secondary that has been known to give up a big play or two in the passing game.
Cutting down on penalties is also a focal point during practice this week, as opponents have gained eight first downs due to St. Louis mistakes. It’s not surprising that the Oakland Raiders lead that particular category with 11.
When making your NFL picks this week, Rams betting is 17-17 ATS over the last two-plus seasons, including a 1-3 ATS mark as a home underdog of 3.5 to 7 points.
