It is only preseason, but the betting experts are already cringing from the way the Rams’ rookie quarterback Sam Bradford is getting knocked around. Bradford did not get sacked in the last preseason game against the Cleveland Browns, but he only went 6 for 14 with 24 yards in the air. The rookie is getting a rude welcome to the NFL.
The leaves the NFL football betting enthusiasts in St. Louis wondering how this coming season will play out. Will the Rams employ a tactic more commonly seen by NCAA football betting experts and utilize a platoon system at quarterback with Sam Bradford and Keith Null (until A.J. Feeley comes back from his thumb injury)? Or is this still Bradford’s job? If the Rams were smart, they would put Feeley out there when he is healthy and let Bradford learn from the sidelines where he cannot get hurt.
On a brighter note for the Rams, running back Steven Jackson ripped off an 11-yard run as one of his four attempts in the Cleveland game. Rookie running back Keith Toston also looked good as he carried the ball 13 times for 23 yards. Considering what the Rams are working with for an offensive line, those are good numbers for a rookie running back.
The New England Patriots are doing just fine this preseason. In their most recent preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons, quarterback Tom Brady went 10 for 12 in passing with 85 yards and a touchdown. Receivers Randy Moss and Wes Welker both played well, but it is difficult to watch the Pats play and not wonder how much better they would be with wide receiver Torry Holt on the field. Unfortunately, due to his injury in the first preseason game, that may be something we will never know.
The NFL football betting lines makers have the Patriots as 10 to 1 odds to win the Super Bowl this season. Those odds take a hit without Torry Holt in there, but there is just too much experience on offense to count the Pats out, and head coach Bill Belichick gives them an advantage as well.
The reason the Rams beat the Browns in the last preseason game was the play of quarterback A.J. Feeley. Because of his thumb injury, Feeley will probably not play in this game. With the offensive line playing the way it is, it is doubtful that Bradford will be on his feet long enough to be effective. It is also doubtful that running back Steven Jackson will be able to carry too many footballs into the endzone.
The Patriot machine just keeps rolling along. Belichick will give his guys the looks he needs to determine his starters, but he will also be coaching to get the most out of his players. Getting the most out of the Patriots players is always bad news for the opposition. Especially when that opposition is playing the way the Rams are playing.
Pick: New England Patriots 21-10
