NFL Futures: The New Orleans Saints showed marked improvement last year with head coach Sean Payton returning from a one year suspension and with defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, who did a remarkable job of remaking the unit from the worst in franchise history the year before he arrived to one of the top units in the NFL. The St. Louis Rams are facing a make or break season with QB Sam Bradford and head coach Jeff Fisher as progress has been stalled with a combination of injuries, a lack of roster depth, and inconsistent play. The St. Louis Rams will host the New Orleans Saints on NFL Network Friday night with coverage starting at 8 PM ET from Edward Jones Dome. BetDSI opened with the Rams as a three point favorite with a total of 37.5.
Not Ramming for Preseason Bucks
The St. Louis Rams have gone 3-5 straight up in their two previous preseasons under head coach Jeff Fisher and were 1-3 last year. The Rams are under intense pressure on the offensive side of the ball as they ranked 30th for total offense in the NFL last year and coordinator Brian Schottenheimer does not inspire a lot of confidence in many handicapping circles. Top draft pick Greg Robinson, an OL from Auburn, is expected to help improve the unit. When Bradford was able to answer the bell he did produce a 14/4 TD/INT ratio.
Up and Down March for Saints in Exhibitions
Sean Payton has gone 18-16 straight up in preseason games with the Saints and was 3-1 last year which was his first winning exhibition season in four years. CB Champ Bailey arrives from Denver to enhance a defense that ranked 4th overall in the NFL last year. Top draft pick Brandon Cooks, a WR from Oregon State, is expected to fit right in with an offense that ranked 2nd in the NFL for passing yardage. The following three draft picks were all for the defensive side of the ball.
Our Pick
We’ll call for the Rams based on a hunch that they will want to break out of the gate in good form in preseason and build a positive vibe.
