Eagles Rams Betting – Eagles Open Up 2011 Campaign Victorious In St. Louis
Sports betting players will be following Philadelphia all season long as the Eagles added some pieces that they think will put them in the running for the Super Bowl, and they’ll kick off the season in St. Louis, where a youthful Rams team will push them. However, look for the Eagles to pull away late.
What: NFL Betting
When: Sunday, September 11th, 1:00 PM ET
Where: Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, MO
Pick: Philadelphia Eagles -4.5
Why Bet On Philadelphia Eagles
Comparisons are being made between the Eagles and the Miami Heat of the NBA, although the Eagles would do well to get to the Super Bowl in the first season after making a host of changes. The defense received some help, picking up cornerback Nmandi Asomugha in free agency and now the Eagles have a trio of cover corners that any team would be proud of in Asomugha, Asante Samuel and Dominique Cromartie-Rodgers, who came over in the Kevin Kolb trade. Up front, tackle Cullen Jenkins and end Jason Babin should create a push. Acquiring Babin proved to be a good move as Brandon Graham is likely out for the season after tearing up his knee. Offensively, quarterback Michael Vick will be out to prove he deserves his new $100 million deal, while receiver DeSean Jackson will be playing for a new contract (from the Eagles or elsewhere). We haven’t even discussed Vince Young backing up Vick, along with Ronnie Brown spelling LeSean McCoy in the backfield.
The Eagles will have a big target on their backs as they are behind only New England in terms of Super Bowl odds, and just in front of the defending champions from Green Bay. Miami had to deal with that all season and how it is the Eagles’ turn to play with pressure. Don’t be surprised if they’re still working out the kinks throughout the season.
Why Bet On St. Louis Rams
The Rams are one of the up-and-coming teams in the league, and it looked like quarterback Sam Bradford and new coordinator Josh McDaniels were on the same page for most of the preseason, and say what you want about McDaniels’ time as a head coach in Denver, but he is one of the best offensive minds in the league. McDaniels will be looking at ways to take some pressure off running back Steven Jackson, who has long performed well despite running against eight-man fronts, and if the passing game can be opened up, he could be even better. The Rams improved defensively last season and should be even better after the acquisition of safety Quintin Mikell, a former Eagle who probably has some insight on how to slow down the high-powered Philadelphia offense.
St. Louis still has a long way to go until they’re a legitimate NFL betting option for the Super Bowl, although they’re always a threat to make the playoffs in a poor NFC West. While they are deep at receiver, the Rams don’t have that much talent at that position, so someone has to step up and give Bradford a target. But overall, the Rams are a young team that is going to experience some growing pains along the way, so be wary of them against quality teams.
How It Will Play Out
NFL betting odds have the Eagles as a 4.5-point favorite on the road, where they were 4-4 ATS in 2010, and they were 5-6 as an ATS favorite. On the other hand, the Rams were 5-3 ATS at home last season and they were 7-4 ATS as the underdog. Head to head, the Eagles are 3-2 SU and 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings with the Rams since 2002, with four games going under the posted total.
The Eagles are going to take some time to get used to each other, but they have the talent to come away with a win to open what should be a very intriguing campaign in Philadelphia. Unless Jackson goes wild, the Rams could have a tough time moving the ball because the Eagles have the defensive backs to shut down the St. Louis receivers. If the Philadelphia offensive line can hold up, the Eagles should have no problems picking up a win in your online betting book.
Eagles Rams Betting Pick: Philadelphia Eagles -4.5
