Rams Saints Betting – Rams Continue To Be A Dangerous ‘Dog
Online betting players should keep an eye on the St. Louis Rams, where they’re definitely building a contender behind a Heisman-winning quarterback and a solid defense. The Rams will head into a game with the New Orleans Saints this week, and while they’re almost a double-digit underdog, that may play right into St. Louis’ hands.
- What: NFL betting
- When: Sunday, December 12th, 4:05 PM ET
- Where: The SuperDome, New Orleans, LA
- Pick: St. Louis Rams +9.5
What’s On The Line
The Rams (6-6) won their second game in a row on the road with a 19-6 victory at the lowly Arizona Cardinals, while the Saints (9-3) took their fifth straight by holding on for a 34-30 win at the Cincinnati Bengals, setting up this surprisingly important game. St. Louis sits atop the NFC West and have a legitimate shot at making the playoffs, while the Saints are trying to keep up with Atlanta in the South as they trail them by a game.
Offensive Matchups: Rams Saints Betting
St. Louis didn’t do a whole lot against the Cardinals, putting up 288 yards, converting just six of 17 third-down attempts, and they failed to score on all three of their red-zone opportunities. Steven Jackson ran for 102 yards and a score, while Sam Bradford passed for 187 yards and a pick for the Rams, who come in 25th in the league offensively and still obviously have a way to go. But the Rams aren’t going to make any moves without receivers, and that should be their No.1 priority in the offseason.
The Saints had problems moving the chains, converting just one of their eight chances on third down, but they still racked up 426 yards of offense and they’re third in the league in that category. Drew Brees threw for 313 yards, two touchdowns and a pick, and the Saints averaged 6.6 yards on the ground, When New Orleans can run the ball, there may not be a more dangerous offense in the league because Brees is so good at the play-action pass. The Saints are slowly working Reggie Bush back into the rotation, as well.
Betting Edge: Saints
Defensive Matchups: Rams Saints Betting
Yes, it was only Arizona, but the Rams should be proud of a great performance on the road, holding the Cardinals to 224 yards while posting four sacks. The defense really stepped up after almost letting the Denver Broncos come back from a 20-point deficit in their previous game, and like we said, it was only Arizona, but it can only build confidence for the young Rams, who are 14th in the league. End Chris Long didn’t get any sacks, but he’s garnering extra attention, which frees up other players.
New Orleans is ninth defensively, but they looked pretty average against the Bengals in the second half, particularly in the final quarter. All told, the Saints gave up 311 yards, failed to force any turnovers and made Carson Palmer looked decent for a change. The defense and special teams also combined to give the Bengals three first downs, and those are uncharacteristic mistakes from the Saints. They did manage a decent pass rush, sacking Palmer three times and registering three hits.
Betting Edge: Draw
Notable Injuries: Rams Saints Betting
For the Rams, linebacker Na’il Diggs (pectoral) is gone for the season, while cornerback Ron Bartell (shoulder) is doubtful and safety Craig Dahl (knee) will be watched closely. Bradford (ankle), linebacker Chris Chamberlain (wrist) and offensive tackle Jason Smith (ankle) should all be able to play this week.
Running back Pierre Thomas (ankle) should be able to go after missing nine games, but fellow backs Ladell Betts (neck) and Julius Jones (ankle) are question marks for the Saints.
Betting Edge: Draw
Outlook and Pick: Rams Saints Betting
NFL betting odds have the Saints as a 9.5-point favorite at home, where they are 1-4 SU and ATS in their last five against the Rams in their last five meetings. Beware of that point spread, as the Saints are 4-8 as an ATS favorite, while the Rams are 7-3 as an underdog. St. Louis has improved more than anyone thought they would, and for a young team they play with poise on the road, which is why we think they’ll be able to keep it close in New Orleans. The Saints’ defense has been inconsistent as of late, and Bradford will be able to have success. We don’t think they’ll win, but we’re taking the Rams to cover the sports betting spread.
Stan’s Pick: St. Louis Rams
