Falcons Rams Betting – Rams Stun Falcons, Tighten NFC Race
- What: NFL betting
- When: Sunday, November 21st, 4:15 PM ET
- Where: Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, MO
- Pick: St. Louis Rams +3
Sports betting players have watched the Atlanta Falcons feast on the competition at home, but they’re not the same team on the road, where they will be this Sunday when they head to St. Louis to face the up-and-coming St. Louis Rams, who show no fear and have been great for NFL betting players this year. Everything is lined up for an upset in St. Louis.
What’s On The Line
The Falcons (7-2) have the best record in the NFC after beating the Baltimore Ravens 26-21 at home, where Matt Ryan is now 18-1 as a starter. The Rams (4-5) fell 23-20 in overtime to the San Francisco 49ers on the road, and they’ve now lost four of their five games by four points or less. The Falcons have much more to play for as they’re looking to get the home field advantage for the playoffs, while the Rams are still building for the future…but remember, they could still win the NFC West.
Offensive Matchups: Falcons Rams Betting
Ryan had a field day against the Ravens, one of the league’s best defenses, going 32-of-50 for 316 yards and three touchdowns, including a 33-yarder to Roddy White with 20 seconds left (there may have been a push-off by White, but it wasn’t called). The running game had just 60 yards on 23 carries, but you know the potential is there, and they were facing a Baltimore unit whose bread-and-butter is stopping the run. Also, this was at the Georgia Dome, where the Falcons are so good, especially Ryan. Can they do this on the road?
Sam Bradford continues to impress, going 30-of-42 for 251 yards and a touchdowns. The No.1 overall pick has played way beyond his years, and he’s putting up some good numbers with virtually no receivers. Steven Jackson ran for 81 yards and a score, but he also added 67 yards through the air for the Rams, who are 25th in the league offensively. They’re not there yet, but the offensive line is getting better, the Rams just need to surround Bradford and Jackson with more talent.
Betting Edge: Falcons
Defensive Matchups: Falcons Rams Betting
Atlanta’s defense gave up 320 yards against the Ravens, and Joe Flacco passed for three touchdowns on them. The Falcons are ranked 17th in the NFL on this side of the ball, and it’s tough to make them a Super Bowl betting favorite with such a group. Cornerback Dunta Robinson is holding down his side of the field, but the other side of the field is taking a lot of heat, which is why the Falcons are 23rd against the pass. Brett Grimes did get a pick against the Ravens, but he’s getting targeted a lot, as well.
The biggest reason for St. Louis’ improvement is a defense that is ranked 12th in the league, but they gave up some big plays against the 49ers as Troy Smith had 356 yards on just 17 completions. They did manage to sack Smith five times, but the secondary still needs some work as the Rams have focused on strengthening their front seven. That means they could be in some trouble going up against the Falcons’ high-powered offense.
Betting Edge: Draw
Notable Injuries: Falcons Rams Betting
Linebacker Sean Witherspoon (knee) could be ready for this game after missing more than a month of action, but overall the Falcons are pretty healthy.
There are a lot of questions in St. Louis for this game: tackle Rodger Safford (ankle), center Jason Brown (knee), safety James Butler (ankle), receiver Danario Alexander (knee) and fullback Brit Miller (concussion) will have to be watched this week.
Betting Edge: Falcons
Outlook and Pick: Falcons Rams Betting
NFL betting odds have the Falcons as a 3-point favorite on the road, but St. Louis has been a nightmare for Atlanta in recent years as they’re 0-5 SU and 1-4 ATS in their last five trips to the Edward Jones Dome. Therefore, we’re taking the Rams for the upset at home as the Falcons just aren’t the same team on the road as they are at the Georgia Dome, and the Rams are 4-1 ATS at home this season (the Rams are a stellar 7-2 overall). Look for a high-scoring affair as neither secondary is all that great, and both quarterbacks have the skill to pick them apart. Take St. Louis for the online betting upset.
Stan’s Pick: St. Louis Rams
