NFL Picks – Baltimore Ravens vs St Louis Rams

One of the NFL’s best defenses will look to give the league’s newest No. 1 pick a rude awakening in Thursday night’s NFL picks. That’s when the Baltimore Ravens travel to St. Louis to take on Sam Bradford and the Rams.

Baltimore Ravens (3-0 Preseason, 3-0 ATS) at St. Louis Rams (2-1 Preseason, 2-1 ATS)

Thursday, September 2: 8:00 p.m. Live from the Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, MO

NFL Betting Lines:

Baltimore: +3
St. Louis: -3
Total Points: 38

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So far this preseason, the Ravens have been their usual dominant selves, and they’ve been able to do it on both sides of the ball. While the defense gets the headlines, it’s the offense which has made the Ravens one of football’s best NFL free picks.

That was certainly the case last weekend, in a comfortable 24-10 victory over the Giants. In that game, Baltimore tallied 388 yards of total offense, including an incredible 313 through the air. Starter Joe Flacco played extensively, completing 21 of 34 passes for 229 yards and two touchdowns, before being relieved by backup Troy Smith. The ground game was limited, as starter Ray Rice carried the ball just five times for 13 yards.

As for St. Louis, they come into this game off an impressive win in New England, but suffered a devastating blow in the process. That’s because late in the game, the Rams best receiver (Donnie Avery) went down with a knee injury, and doesn’t appear like he’ll be back any time soon. It’ll be a tough road if you’re looking to make the Rams one of your NFL free picks this weekend.

Still there’s reason for hope with St. Louis, and that’s because of new quarterback Sam Bradford. Bradford showed why he was the No. 1 pick in last year’s draft against the Patriots, making several great throws, and wowing all those in attendance. He finished the game with 15 completions for 186 yards, while adding two touchdowns and no interceptions. It truly was an impressive performance.

However despite it, Bradford and the Rams are still a stay away in this weekend’s NFL picks.

The reason is simple. With both teams playing their starters late into their final preseason game, Bradford will be going up against the intimidating, imposing Ravens defense. Sure they’re down a few men (most noticeably safety Ed Reed), but this unit is still a terror to match up against. Expect this inexperienced Rams offensive line to have big time trouble with Baltimore defensive lineman Terrell Suggs, who had 4.5 sacks last year.

When it comes to this weekend’s NFL picks, the time is now to get your wagers in. Take the Ravens, getting a field goal on the road.

Aaron’s Pick: Baltimore +3