Last Updated on August 16, 2010 10:34 am by Anthony Rome
Rams Season Odds
The future of the St. Louis Rams lies on the shoulder pads of young quarterback Sam Bradford, but can he help them win this season?
The Rams knew they had to get a quarterback for the future when they headed into April’s draft, which is why they pulled the trigger on Bradford with the No. 1 overall pick. The former Oklahoma product was regarded as the best quarterback prospect in the draft, even though he was coming off a season in which he dealt with a major shoulder injury.
The Rams also had a major need at tackle, which is why they targeted Rodger Saffold with the first pick in the second round, even though they had trade offers for that pick. The team hopes that Saffold can become a fixture on its O-line for years to come, much like Bradford under center.
The Rams weren’t very active in free agency, although they were able to re-sign safety O.J. Atogwe after it looked like he may get away. They also inked linebacker Na’il Diggs, defensive tackle Fred Robbins and cornerback Kevin Dockery to free agent deals.
Oddsmakers from online sports book Sportsbook.com currently list the Rams at 200/1 to win the 2011 Super Bowl and 100/1 to win the NFC. They’re also 25/1 to win the NFC West and have an over/under win total of 4.5 games for this season.
Bradford looked decent in his first preseason action last weekend, although it’s still veteran A.J. Feeley’s job to lose. The team wants to bring Bradford along slowly, which is a smart decision considering most young quarterbacks are often overwhelmed in their first years.
That’s not to say that the Rams’ best chance of winning lies with Feeley. St. Louis will once again have a hard time putting points on the board, even with what should be an improved offensive line and an elite back in Steven Jackson. This team is a long ways away from competing with the roster that’s currently in place, but the Rams could improve their record if Bradford sees playing time and produces.
2011 Super Bowl Odds: St. Louis Rams 200/1
Odds to win NFC: St. Louis Rams 100/1
Odds to win NFC West: St. Louis Rams 25/1
2010 NFL Season Win Totals: St. Louis Rams O/U 4.5
Posted: 8/16/10 10:30AM ET