Rams/Eagles Spread, Predictions & Odds
September 5, 2008
The Rams/Eagles spread is on tap for week 1 NFL betting. The Info Plays team will fill you in on what to expect in this NFC contest. We are currently ranked #1 in the world with a 13-5 NFL record for the 2008 season after a great preseason, and a win on the New York Giants -4 Thursday night. Buy our Sunday NFL 3-Pack here for only $24.95 Guaranteed to Cash!
The Philadelphia Eagles were the only team from the NFC East division that missed the playoffs last season. There are still high hopes that Philly can win the division this season, but better production from Donnovan McNabb and their receivers are a must if that’s going to happen. McNabb opens the season in his 10th year under center for the Eagles Sunday when they open with the St. Louis Rams.
McNabb was coming off an ACL injury last year, but he’s finally healthy this season. The Eagles are looking to build off of three straight wins to end the season in 2007, with McNabb leading the way. He regained his scrambling ability in his final six starts a year ago, rushing 29 times for 166 yards. But he did miss two full games with a sprained ankle last year, marking a fourth straight year where he was unable to play a full season. This can’t happen again in 2008 or the Eagles are doomed.
McNabb’s production last season went hand in hand with the Eagles’ W/L record. IN six losses, McNabb threw for just 1,231 yards and four touchdowns to three interceptions. In seven wins with McNabb under center, he passed for 2,059 yards and 15 touchdowns to just two interceptions. But still, Brian Westbrook is probably the most significant piece of the puzzle for the Eagles. He led the NFL with a franchise-record 2,104 yards from scrimmage and became the first Eagles’ rusher to go over the 1,000-yard mark on the ground in consecutive seasons since Duce Staley in ‘98-99. Wager on the Eagles -7.5 at BetUS Sportsbook and get a 50% sign-up bonus on your initial deposit.
The Eagles signed Westbrook to a new deal in the offseason, something the Rams were forced to do with Steven Jackson. St. Louis’ star running back was in a holdout before signing a six-year, $44 million deal on August 20. Jackson is coming off a third straight 1,000-yard season despite playing only 12 games last year. Jackson has two weeks of conditioning and reps under his belt, so he should be ready to go for the Rams’ season opener. Jackson is a big piece of the passing game for the Rams, like Westbrook, recording 90 receptions in 2006.
The Eagles were criticized for not adding an impact wide receiver, just as they have been since releasing Terrell Owens. Second-round pick DeSean Jackson is expected to get plenty of playing time Sunday. Kevin Curtis is out following hernia surgery, and Reggie Brown is doubtful for this game with a hamstring injury. Neither starter is considered a No. 1 receiver, but both team up to be the Eagles’ two most dependable receivers. Without either in the lineup, the Eagles will be relying on Westbrook to carry the load.
If the Eagles’ offense isn’t hitting on all cylinders, than their defense should be able to be counted on to limit the Rams’ offense. All-Pro cornerback Asante Samuel comes over from New England after signing a six year, $57.14 million contract with Philadelphia. Samuel joins a talented secondary, where former Pro Bowler Lito Sheppard isn’t even starting. Veteran Brian Dawkins remains a force at safety. Chris Clemons was signed after recording eight sacks at Oakland last year, giving the Eagles a solid pair of defensive ends with Pro Bowler Trent Cole on the other side.
The Rams appear headed in the wrong direction after finishing with the worst record in the NFC last year, and the franchise’s worst since 1991. Injuries can be blamed for most of their struggles. Jackson and starting quarterback Marc Bulger each miss four games, and All-Pro tackle Orlando Pace sat on the sidelines for all but one. All are healthy this season, and new offensive coordinator Al Saunders has a plethora of weapons to work with in hopes of a return to glory where the Rams used to be on the most feared offenses in the NFL. The OVER/UNDER is set at 44 points at BetUS Sportsbook.
Defense remains a concern in St. Louis. The Rams allowed 37.4 points/game last season, second-most in the league, and they’re relying on several young players to turn it around. Virginia defensive end Chris Long was taken as the second overall pick and will be joined on the line by 2007 first-rounder Adam Carriker. The secondary includes third-year safety Oshiomogho Atogwe, who led the NFC with eight interceptions last season. Cornerback Tye Hill was a first-rounder in 2006.
These teams last played in 2005 where the Eagles squeaked out a 17-16 victory. Can this young Rams’ defense hold a beat-up Philly offense in check? Bet the St. Louis Rams +7.5 at Sportsbook.com.