St. Louis Rams (1-7) vs Cleveland Browns (3-5) NFL Betting Preview
The St. Louis Rams were actually the favorites in the weak NFC West coming into the season. Things haven’t gone as planned so far this year for the Rams. The 49ers are running away with the division, and the Rams are in last place.
The Browns were looking to build on some momentum they built up at the end of last season.
Rams vs. Browns
Time/Date: 1:00 PM EST, November 13, 2011
Venue: Cleveland Browns Stadium
Broadcast: CBS
Rams vs. Browns Gambling Odds from Bookmaker
Spread: Browns -3
Moneyline: Browns (-150) Rams (+130)
Over/Under: 37
Cleveland has lost four out of five, and this is a game the Browns really need to win to get back on track.
Sam Bradford had a spectacular rookie campaign, and many expected another big year out of him. He hasn’t been bad this year, but he hasn’t progressed the way many hoped. Bradford has been slowed by some nagging injuries. It is also important to remember that he has what is probably the worst receiving corps in the league. The recent acquisition of Brandon Lloyd should help the team in the long run. Steven Jackson is having a very impressive season. Jackson is averaging 5.1 yards per carry. It helps that the team has a solid backup in Cadillac Williams. Both running backs are fully healthy coming into this game.
The Rams defense was much improved last year, but they have struggled this season. The front seven has been absolutely dominated on a consistent basis. St. Louis is allowing opponents to rush for 154 yards per contest. The middle of the defensive front has suffered multiple injuries this year, and that certainly hasn’t helped this unit. James Laurinaitis and Chris Long continue to look like youngsters to build this defense around. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
The Cleveland Browns offense has really had trouble getting started this season. Peyton Hillis was the biggest surprise of the season last year, and he has been one of the biggest busts of the year in 2011. Hillis has been injured constantly and he has been in a contract battle with the Browns front office. The Browns rank 31st in the league in rushing yards per game. Colt McCoy doesn’t have a ton of weapons to work with either, but he has progressed in his decision making under center. The Browns average just 14.9 points per game.
Cleveland’s defense has kept them in the game so far this season. The Browns rank first in the NFL in pass defense. Joe Haden leads a very talented secondary. Haden is quickly becoming known as one of the best cover corners in the league. The front seven hasn’t been nearly as good, especially against the run. Opponents are running for 144 yards per game against the Browns. As a whole, this defense continues to improve on a weekly basis.
The Browns don’t have much of an offense at all right now, so I simply can’t pick them when they are favored. The Rams are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 games. I think this sets up as a sloppy game where both offenses settle for field goals.
Free NFL Pick: Under 37
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