Last Updated on September 19, 2010 6:09 pm by drew
Rams at Raiders Pick
In a battle of former Los Angeles teams, the Oakland Raiders and St. Louis Rams each try to earn their first victory of the year.
Oddsmakers from online sports book SBGGLOBAL.com have made the Raiders 3.5-point favorites over the Rams in Week 2. The over/under total has been set at 37.5 points for this game.
The Rams Win If:
Sam Bradford doesn’t have to throw the ball 55 times again. Steven Jackson was banged up this week in practice, but he should be healthy enough to start and play the entire game. If so, the Rams need to win this game on the ground – not through the air. That’s not to say that Bradford isn’t capable because he did some good things last weekend in the passing game. But he threw three interceptions in the loss to the Cardinals and maybe that could have been avoided if he threw less. The Rams ran the ball only 24 times last week, so clearly their playcalling wasn’t balanced. Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha already takes away half the field with his coverage ability, so again – this game will be won or loss for the Rams on the ground.
The Raiders Win If:
Try stopping the run. The Raiders gave up 205 rushing yards last week in a loss to the Titans and if they can’t slow Jackson, then it doesn’t matter how well Bradford plays. Defensively, Oakland could have a very underrated unit. But no team can give up that many rushing yards on a consistent basis and win. Thus, they need to load the box to stop Jackson and force the rookie to beat them through the air. If Bradford tests Asomugha (assuming he’s healthy after missing some practice time with a groin injury), maybe the rook makes a couple of mistakes and Jason Campbell and Co. can capitalize. But if Jackson runs wild, then the Rams can keep it simple with Bradford and control the clock.
Prediction:
This is a pretty even matchup and some bettors may be inclined to go with the Rams because the hook is attractive. But Bradford is going to continue to make mistakes and Oakland is a tough environment for any opposing starter – not too mention a rookie playing in just his second game. I think Oakland limits Jackson’s effectiveness and cuts down on the penalties (they had 10 last week for 77 yards) in order to cover.
2010 NFL Week 2 Free Pick: OAKLAND RAIDERS –3.5
BONUS PICK: UNDER 37.5