Rams vs Seahawks Odds - Healthy Hasselbeck leads Seahawks in rout of Rams
Seattle’s online betting chances were sunk in 2008 by injuries, which ended their four-year run atop the NFC West. The Seahawks kick off their season with a home game against St. Louis - who could be even worse than last year - and their quarterback makes his return in time to tear apart the Rams.
Rams vs Seahawks Odds: Seahawks -7.5
- WHAT: NFL betting action
- WHEN: Sunday, September 13, 4:15 PM ET
- WHERE: Qwest Field, Seattle, WA
- KEY STAT: St. Louis has lost their last four trips to Seattle
- PICK: Seattle
Rams vs Seahawks Odds: The Storyline
The Rams have missed the playoffs for four straight years, sinking to a low of 2-14, and it’s not looking good for this year as they enter a full-blown rebuilding mode. The Seahawks had won the NFC West for four years in a row, but a slew of injuries doomed them in 2008, so they’re looking to re-establish themselves as the offshore sportsbook favorites in the division.
Rams vs Seahawks Odds maker breakdown: Offense
Any chance of the Rams’ offense being decent in this game went down with a finger injury to quarterback Marc Bulger, who is questionable for this game. If he does play, how effective will be with a broken finger on his throwing hand? This puts pressure on backup Kyle Boller, who joined the team from Baltimore, and even more on running back Steven Jackson. The Seahawks will have a healthy Matt Hasselbeck under center, but the offensive line is shaky and needs to improve as Hasselbeck is essential to Seattle’s betting odds. Edgerrin James left Arizona to spell Julius Jones in the backfield, and they snatched T.J. Houshmandzedah from Cincinnati. Betting Edge: Seahawks
Rams vs Seahawks Odds maker breakdown: Defense
Corner Ron Bartell resigned with the team, but it’s tough to be a good cornerback when your team was 28th in the league in sacks. Leonard Little and Adam Carriker were injured during the preseason, which isn’t a good sign for the defensive line. Rookie James Laurinaitis steps into the middle-linebacker slot after a decorated career at Ohio State, but he’ll have his hands full. New head coach Steve Spagnuolo was a genius coordinator with the New York Giants, but he has his work cut out for him in St. Louis. Speaking of new coaches, Jim Mora was Seattle’s secondary coach before he took over for Mike Holmgren, and he’ll have to retool a unit that was 30th in total defense, and dead last against the pass. Linebacker Julian Peterson left for Detroit, but first-round pick Aaron Curry is being touted as “can’t miss”. Still, the secondary isn’t scaring anyone. Betting Edge: Draw
Rams vs Seahawks Odds maker breakdown: Special Teams
The Rams had a decent return team in 2008, and kicker Josh Brown may be their best scoring option. Brown nailed six of eight attempts from 50 yards or more, and hit over 86% of his overall chances. Seattle ranked in the top 12 in both kickoff and punt returns, including second in kickoff returns. Their placekicking situation has yet to be sorted as Olindo Mare is battling with rookie Brandon Coutu. The veteran Mare is a better pick for their NFL betting chances. Betting Edge: Draw
Rams vs Seahawks Odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
Bulger practiced, but he couldn’t take snaps in the run-in to St. Louis’ final preseason game against Kansas City, which isn’t a good sign. Donnie Avery, who is now the No.1 receiver with Torry Holt gone, had a broken bone in his foot, but he was back at practice two days later.The Seahawks are relatively injury-free, which is a change from last year. Jones bruised his shin, but he should be okay. Betting Edge: Seahawks
Rams vs Seahawks betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
Seattle has won their last four games at home against the Rams, and the last two came by a combined score of 70-19. Hasselbeck has a rating of 85.0 in 12 career meetings with the Rams, and he played in last year’s 37-13 mauling at Qwest Field. The Rams were 1-7 on the road in 2008, and facing a healthy Hasselbeck and a Seattle offense with something to prove, while away from home, isn’t the best place for Spagnuolo to make his regular-season debut. Even if Bulger plays for St. Louis, his Seattle counterpart will light up the Rams. STAN’S PICK: Seattle
For more sports betting tips, picks and analysis on the NFL, visit Stan and D.J. in the Betting Edge at BetOnline.com. For more on the Rams vs Seahawks matchup, check out our stats section. 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? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
