Arizona vs St. Louis NFL Point Spreads
The St. Louis Rams will look to turn things around after going 7-8-1 in their first campaign under head coach Jeff Fisher last year, with a win over NFC West Division visiting rival, the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday afternoon at the Edward Jones Dome.
When: Sunday, Sept. 8, 2013 at 4:25 PM EST
Where: Edward Jones Dome
TV: FOX
LINE: -4 1/2 (Rams), O/U 41
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After jumping out to a quick 4-0 start, Arizona appeared as if it might have been poised to take the division last season.
But then disaster struck as the Cardinals offense struggled to move the ball and find the end zone.
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However, there may be new life in the desert after veteran signal caller Carson Palmer arrived in Arizona over the summer.
Palmer will have plenty of targets to toss to including Larry Fitzgerald (71-798) who could be poised to break the 1,000-yard barrier this season.
The Cards will rely heavily on its passing game, as the team’s rushing attack does not seem be any better than last season, especially with running back Rashard Mendenhall being hampered by an ankle injury this preseason.
However, the latest reports are that Mendenhall will be ready for Sunday’s opener in Missouri.
If so, Arizona will hope he can replicate his 2010 season, when Mendenhall rushed for 1,273 yards. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Meanwhile, the Rams are slowly rebuilding around quarterback Sam Bradford, who had a solid rookie campaign with over 3,700 yards and 21 touchdowns.
With a year of experience under his belt, his numbers should get better, as St. Louis’ passing game begins to blossom.
On the other hand, the Rams’ rushing attack is still a mystery with the departure of workhorse running back Steven Jackson, leaving Dary Richardson as the most experienced runner.
Defensively, the Rams are solid, with a line that can play the run and a speedy secondary that can pester opposing teams attacking through the air — like Arizona.
Matt’s Free Prediction
Arizona has won five of its last six openers and is 7-1 SU in their past eight trips to St. Louis.
The Rams meanwhile are a disastrous 2-10 ATS past 12 season openers and were 11-5 ATS last year.
Oddsmakers have the Rams as 4 1/2-point favorites in this one.
I do not expect a lot of offense from either team so take the under.
And if I have to take a side, I’m going with the Rams who will have the home crowd advantage.
Rams 21, Cardinals 17.
