Someone slipped me a Micky, I'm not responsible for last-nights post nor the stupid wager that I made.
The Philadelphia Eagles (13-1) at The St. Louis Rams (6-8)
NFL Against the Spread: Eagles 9-5-0 | Rams 3-10-1
Game Time: 9:00 PM ET ABC MNF
Current High NFL Betting Line: Rams -3 -110 to -120
Current Low NFL Betting Line: Rams -1.5 -117
Over/Under 44u to 45u -100 to -110
No TO + everything in a nice package for Eagles = Rams Win?
The Eagles should be in rest and repair mode. They have the Division Title, first round bye and Home Field Advantage. They have already lost one key player in WR Terrell Owens, who is out for what amounts to be the rest of the season. WR Todd Pinkston is hurt, and with TO out, and nothing to be gained by a victory, it's highly unlikely that he will play at all. Their other go to guy, WR Freddie Mitchell, is listed as probable, but almost the same applies to him. It would be surprising to see anything more than a quarter or so from him. Fact is, anyone with an injury that is a starter will see little to no playing time. There is rumor that RB Brian Westbrook may not see any more carries until the playoffs.
Andy Reid is not stupid, he knows that without TO the Eagles offense dramatically changes. Reid is also wise enough to let better judgment win out over pride. He has already stated that none of his starters will be on the field much later than half-time. He knows that finishing 15-1 would be something that only three other teams have done, but he also sees the big picture. The Super Bowl. The Eagles have done what they needed do to to put themselves in the best possible position for the playoffs, now the most important thing is to go into the post season as healthy as possible, both offensively and defensively.
The Rams are in a must win situation. Not just tonight, but next week also if they hope to see playing time after Jan. 2nd. A victory over Philadelphia is a must. They lose tonight they are out. Period. Even winning out is not going assure them of anything. A victory tonight and next week, then a loss by Seattle to the Falcons next week and they would get in as the NFC West Division winners. They will still have several wild-card opportunities available even without a Seattle loss, but it all starts with a win tonight.
The Rams Injury list is getting better. QB Marc Bulger took snaps with the first team in practice, and although he didn't make any deep passes, was on the mark with the intermediate throws. Since this is a good portion of the trowing game, that had to please Martz. He will have his full compliment of receivers, in Isaac Bruce, Tory Holt, Shaun McDonald and Kevin Curtis. The only names with red crosses next to them are RB Steven Jackson and TE Brandon Manumaleuna.
So the advantage appears to go to the Rams. On the turf at home, with the speed they have, playing against a bunch of young players should result in win 1 of 2 to get them on the road to the playoffs.
Value isn't high, so a moderate wager is suggested.
My Online Betting Action: The Rams -2.5
Recent Trends
•PHI is 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
•PHI is 9-2 ATS in their last 11 vs. Conference Opponents.
•Under is 10-3 in the Eagles last 13 overall.
•Under is 4-2 in the last six meetings.
•STL is 1-7 ATS in their last eight games overall.
•Under is 3-0 in the Rams last three played in Dec.
As promised:
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