Falcons vs Rams Odds - Young Ram defense not ready for Falcon attack
The Falcons vs Rams odds have us NFL betting fans feeling nostalgic. For the first time since the Dick Vermeil glory days, we can say “Undefeated St. Louis hosts winless Atlanta.” That just goes to show how meaningless win-loss records are in preseason. But that doesn’t mean you can’t win a meaningful amount of money.
Falcons vs Rams Odds: Falcons a much tougher test than the Jets were for the Rams
- WHAT: NFL betting
- WHEN: Friday, August 21, 8:00 p.m. ET
- WHERE: Edwards Jones Dome in St. Louis, MO
- PICK: Falcons
Falcons vs Rams odds maker breakdown: Offense As always, it’s difficult to pick a superior offensive team when we don’t know how often the starters will play, but we can at least use the first preseason game as a hint. Michael Turner looked explosive for Atlanta, breaking off a 40-yard touchdown run against Detroit. Matt Ryan also quickly established his rapport with deep threat Roddy White. The good news for St. Louis: Marc Bulger was a perfect four for four in his preseason debut against the Jets. The bad news for his Falcons vs Rams odds; he was sacked three times. Considering that he still doesn’t have Donnie Avery to throw to and that the Rams will keep handling Steven Jackson with kid gloves, the edge goes to the Falcons. Betting Edge: Falcons
Falcons vs Rams odds maker breakdown: Defense It’s tempting to give the Rams the defensive edge at home. After all, coach Steve Spagnuolo is implementing a new system that should improve the young group and rookie James Laurinatis looks very promising at linebacker. However, I wouldn’t bet at the offshore sportsbook that the “D” can learn the system overnight. It didn’t put much heat on Mark Sanchez and the Jets last week, so it shouldn’t do much better against the Falcons. Atlanta got to the quarterback against Detroit and should have an easier time with the Rams. Betting Edge: Falcons
Falcons vs Rams odds maker breakdown: Special Teams You never know who will get full return duty in a preseason game, but I like St. Louis to gain an edge in the Falcons vs Rams odds here, as they have a deeper group of returners. That unit includes Samkon Gado, who had a boatload of return yards and rushing yards in the preseason opener. Betting Edge: Rams
Falcons vs Rams odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries The Rams are nicked up, with Donnie Avery still out with a broken foot and leaving a gaping hole at receiver. Fullback Mike Carney, nose tackle Adam Carriker and safety Craig Dahl are unlikely to play as well. Corner Chris Houston may not play for Atlanta after injuring his hamstring in the opener, but he’s the only major injury betting sharps need to note for the Falcons. Betting Edge: Falcons
Team vs Team betting maker breakdown: Outlook and Pick The game is in St. Louis and anything can happen in the preseason, but the Falcons’ offense in particular looks sharp early on and the Rams are still working out the kinks on defense. They allowed 340 yards through the air to the Jets and that number could rise against the more polished Falcons. Bet on Atlanta. STAN’S PICK: Falcons
For Falcons vs Rams odds and other sports betting lines, read the Betting edge at betonline.com and check out our world-renowned sportsbook. Stan Simmons first tasted football through the college game, but his football handicapping has strictly focused on the professional sport. Not many people devote as much time to the NFL as Simmons. For six days a week he works, labors and handicaps the sport, and on the seventh he rests as the games play out. Thoughts or questions?
