NFL picks: After stumbling to a 1-2 start due to a massive wave of injuries the San Francisco 49ers have gotten off the mat and are again looking like a top tier NFC title contender. The St. Louis Rams are struggling on both sides of the line but especially on offense as QB Sam Bradford’s season ending injury in the preseason is proving to be too much to overcome. The St. Louis Rams will host the San Francisco Giants at the Edwards Jones Dome on ESPN Monday Night with coverage starting at 8:30 PM ET. The 49ers opened as a three point favorite with a total of 43.5.
Striking Gold
San Francisco is 3-2 straight up and against the spread with a 1-4 mark under the total. Head coach Jim Harbaugh has led his team back to its tried and true formula for success as they rank third in the NFL for rushing offense and second for total defense.
Rams Lack Horns
The Rams are 1-3 both SU and ATS and 2-2 on totals. St. Louis ranks 30th in the NFL for points allowed on defense while the offense ranks 22nd for scoring. Head coach Jeff Fisher’s seat is getting warmer by the week but the fact remains that the Rams have not stockpiled enough talent to be taken seriously.
Matchup and Pick
The 49ers have been one of the most valuable betting commodities in any sport on the road with just five losses against the spread in their last 20 away games as seven out of their last nine away games have gone under the total. The Rams conversely have been a less than stellar betting commodity at home with just six payouts in their last 15 games at the Edward Jones Dome with four out of their last six home games going under the total.
In this head to head series the 49ers have lost just five out of their last 19 games against the spread with the Rams as five out of the last eight meetings between the 49ers and Rams have gone over the total. The 49ers destroyed the Rams 35-11 at St. Louis last year for an easy payout and we’ll call for yet another 49ers cover in this one.
