ST. LOUIS RAMS @ ARIZONA CARDINALS 
Vegas Line: Rams + 3
Rob’s Line: Rams + 3.5
It’s difficult to call this and not just because it’s one of the most uninspiring games on the schedule…and I mean over the whole season, not just in Week 9. The reason is because both teams have injury doubts at quarterback and even as late as Saturday evening, it’s unclear who will start the game. From what I can tell though, the Rams’ Sam Bradford looks a lot more likely to start than the Cardinals’ Kevin Kolb so I’m writing this from the perspective of Bradford starting while Arizona will call upon backup John Skelton.
The Cardinals will be feeling bruised this week, both physically and mentally. They kept it close for a while at home to Pittsburgh two weeks ago and then really took it to the Ravens last Sunday in Baltimore, leading 24-3 before succumbing to a last second field goal. They’re showing good form, but how much have those excursions taken out of them? Last week was particularly heart breaking and they now come home to face a 1-6 Rams team on a high after a stunning victory over the Saints last Sunday. I lean towards calling it an emotional win, coming as it did against a team with a superstar quarterback and destined for the playoffs so maybe both teams will feel the effects and we could see a 6-6 tie. Conversely, we could see a game riddled with mistakes and defenses capitalising with touchdowns, thus producing a 28-28 tie. Look, I’m trying to jazz this one up a little bit!
If I had to choose (which I do), I side with St. Louis and the points on offer and I base that purely on the fact that if, as seems likely, Skelton does start, the first snap he takes on Sunday will be the first snap he’s taken all season. One aspect of this game that does suit Arizona (and Skelton will be happy with this, too) is that running back Beanie Wells will be up against the league’s worst run defense as the Rams yield 165 yards per game. Wells averages 84 yards per game so look for that to increase come Sunday evening and his seven touhdowns through seven games won’t be doing his confidence any harm either…not that he needs a boost in that area!
The Rams’ bowling ball of a running back, Steven Jackson (ESPN.com refer to him as a ‘one-man wrecking crew’…perfect!), was the emotional leader in the win over the Saints last week and he had a sensational game, running over them for 159 yards and 2 TDs at 6.4 yards a pop. He’s not let anybody around him get down over what has turned out to be a desperately disappointing season for them and the hope is for a lot of the younger guys on the roster to learn from him.
It’s unfortunate to report that only the diehards are going to be tuned in to this one and that doesn’t include me so I’ll be receiving my information via the usual channels, but I’ll have an eye on Wells’ and Jackson’s stats from afar, hoping the Rams keep me looking semi-respectable by winning on the handicap.
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