Giants/Rams Spread, Odds & Predictions
September 12, 2008
The Info Plays team previews the Giants/Rams spread this week in a game that features the defending Super Bowl champs and a team that is looking for something to go right. The New York defense looked superb in the Super Bowl Champions’ first game of the season. Eli Manning will try to get the offense going this week when the face a St. Louis team that gave up 38 points to the Philadelphia Eagles last week. Philly even had their two starting wide receivers out for that game due to injury. If you want NFL advice this weekend, then sign up for Larry’s Sunday NFL 5-Pack for just $24.95! Larry Cook is the #2 ranked NFL handicapper in the world right now after week 1.
Many people thought New York would take a step back defensively this season. The retirement of Michael Strahan, followed by the loss of defensive end Osi Umenyiora in the preseason, would be the reasoning. But for one game against the Redskins, New York appears to have overcome the losses. The Giants held the Redskins to just 11 first downs and 209 yards of offense in their 16-7 home win to open the season. The Giants led the league in sacks last season, but managed only one against Washington.
On offense, Eli Manning completed 19-of-35 passes for 216 yards and an interception, but he scored the Giants’ only touchdown on a 1-yard run. New York managed to put points on the board on their first four possessions. Time of possession was a big key for the Giants as they held the ball for 36 minutes compared to 24 minutes of offense for Washington. Plaxico Burress remains their biggest weapon on offense, catching 10 balls for 133 yards. The Giants clearly have room for improvement, at least on the offensive side of the ball. After gaining 241 yards before the break, New York mustered up just 113 yards after halftime. Bet on the Giants -8.5 at Sportsbook.com!
The Giants have been tremendous on the road dating back to last season, but the test on the turf of Edwards Jones Dome could provide a stiff test. The Giants are just 1-3 in their most recent four games played at St. Louis. The Rams own a 13-4 edge all-time as a franchise when playing at home against New York. The Rams will have to improve dramatically this week if it wants to be victorious in its home opener. The Rams were throttled 38-3 at Philly, allowing Donovan McNabb to throw for 361 yards and three touchdowns alone. The Rams looked very much like the 3-13 team they were last season. The were outgained by the Eagles 522 to 166. Running back Steven Jackson is their best hope to be competitive Sunday. Jackson carried the ball 14 times for 40 yards last week. Wager on the Rams +8.5 at BetUs and earn up to a 50% sign-up bonus!