Football Spread – St Louis Rams vs Oakland Raiders

The Oakland Raiders and the St. Louis Cardinals lost their first games of the 2010 NFL season and as both teams entered the season with elevated expectations, a 0-2 start will be a huge disappointment.

The NFL odds makers have set the Oakland Raiders as the -3½ point favorites and a straight up bet on the St. Louis Rams will pay NFL bettors +160 on the moneyline. The game total is set at 38 points.

NFL Betting Lines
September 18, 2010

St Louis Rams +3½ -110 +160
Oakland Raiders -3½ -110 -190

Game Total 38

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Location: McAfee Coliseum – Oakland CA
Game Time: 4:05pm
TV: FOX

The Oakland Raiders cut their ties with uber-bust number one draft pick JaMarcus Russell and added former Washington Redskins starter Jason Campbell as his replacement.

Campbell got a rude welcome to the Raiders as the offensive line let the Tennessee Titans sack Campbell four times. He completed 22 of 37 passes for 180 yards with a touchdown and an interception.

The Raiders defense had trouble containing Chris Johnson and the Titans but it safe to assume most defenses will have the same trouble.

On positive in the game was Darren McFadden, who gained 95 yards on 18 carries and adding another 55 yards receiving and a touchdown.

The St. Louis Rams debuted their number one overall pick Sam Bradford in game one. Bradford threw a league high 55 passes in week one, completing 32 passes for 253 yards, and he threw his first career touchdown but he also tossed three interceptions in the Rams 17-13 loss.

The problem for Bradford is the lack of targets, as the Rams new addition Mark Clayton had 119 yards but based on his history, he can’t be counted on doing that every week.

Steve Jackson had another strong game rushing for 81 yards on 22 carries. Considering the Raiders defense is not on par with the Cardinals, his numbers should be solid against Oakland.

The Rams defense was solid against the Cardinals; they forced seven fumbles recovering four and sacked Derek Anderson a couple times.

This is a must win game for both teams as, arguably neither team has a winnable game for the next few weeks. The Raiders are a team that every year show promise in camp and then stink for just enough weeks for you to start fading them, then they comeback with a huge upset. I’m going to fade the Raiders for the first few weeks.

NFL Betting Pick: St. Louis Rams +3½