2008 St. Louis Rams NFL Betting Preview – Betus Sportsbook
St. Louis Rams
Record: 3-13
ATS: 5-11
Super Bowl Odds: 80-1
Despite covering the spread seven times, the St. Louis Rams ended their season with a disappointing 3-13 SU record. The Rams appear to be in full rebuilding mode following a season that saw a majority of their star players injured at some point. QB Marc Bulger had a tough season, throwing 15 interceptions to go with just 12 TDs. Bulger is fully capable of playing at a Pro Bowl level and with better luck this year; he may get a chance to prove it.
While the offensive line was plagued by injuries – with five linemen going down with injuries during the course of the season – it did give backup players starting experience, which should pay off this season. Weapons still exist in the offense starting with RB Steven Jackson. He had just over 1000 yards rushing during an injury-plagued season and if healthy will surpass that total this year. With Al Saunders as the offensive coordinator, it should produce a more potent offense that will benefit Jackson and his skilled teammates – most notably Bulger and Torry Holt. The Rams lost Isaac Bruce to the Niners, but Donnie Avery has a chance to be a useful complement to Holt.
With first-round draft choice Chris Long and last year’s top selection, Adam Carriker, St. Louis has the makings of a good defensive line. That being said, this team still has to show that it can stop the run. Even though the defensive unit was 31st in the league in points allowed, head coach Scott Linehan was pleased at times with how the defense stood up to the pressure of the offense not being able to score points. This team was considered by many to be a potential Wild Card contender before the injury-riddled 2007 season. This year they have a chance to make a leap and move up in the standings.
