I don't know what to make of this game. I have been crunching the numbers and here's what I have come up with.
Reasons to NOT bet the Rams.
I've always remember hearing people talk about the old saying in order to win in the playoffs you have to do 2 things: Run the ball, and stop the run. In order to do those things you need to control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball and I believe that old saying is true. If you watch the Pats and Steelers you instantly realize that the main reason they are so tough is because of their awesome lines, especially offensive. The Rams on the otherhand stink. Nutten may be injured to boot. The Rams are 29th in the NFL against the run giving up a robust 136 yards per game. They are also only 26th in the NFL in rushing offense at 101 yards a game. I believe that they are good enough to run the ball, but the question remains will Martz be a stubborn a-hole and insist on passing, if so you mine is well chalk up a loss for your Rams bet.
Another reason not to bet the Rams is because they have given up 50 sacks this year, an extraordinarily high number. Seattle's D-line is not that good, so maybe this stat in itself is not that determinative on the outcome of the game.
Another reason not to bet the Rams is that they have the worst special teams in the NFL. I read on some CBS sports or ESPN website that they have the worst special teams hands down. As evidenced by a 95 yard kickoff return by some no name on the Jets last week. This too, makes me scratch my head.
Another reason not to bet the Rams is because they are 2-6 on the road this season. Granted one of those wins was against Seattle, but the other was against SF Niners, and they were hammered by teams such as the Dolphins, other losses to the Panthers and Packers were ugly as well, but it is important to note Bulger did not play in the Panthers and Cardinals losses, and the Rams success clearly rests on the shoulders of Bulger.
Another reason not to bet the Rams is because it will likely snow in this game. 80% chance with temps in the 30's. I have never seen the Rams play in the snow, but I can't imagine them having too much success. Seattle probably does not have much experience in the snow either, but I figure that any snow favors the Hawks.
Reasons not to bet Seattle.
This team sucks just as much as the Rams. This team managed to give up 43 points to Dallas at home!!!!!!!!!! They were also absolutely crushed by Buffalo at home. They did however finish the season with a 5-3 home record.
They are 8th in the league in Rushing offense at 130 yards a game, and they are almost as bad as the Rams in rushing Defense giving up 126.9 yards a game on the ground qualifying them for 23rd in Rush defense. Their pass defense is equally bad ranking in at 23rd in the league.
Normally I would say Bulger would shred them but it will be interesting to see how the snow effects the game. The Hawks have not impressed anybody this season, and the fact that the Rams have beaten them twice does not bode well. It is extremely difficult to bet on this team, but on the otherhand it is extremely difficult to bet the Hawks. The weather is a huge X factor as it is very difficult to gauge how either team will react to the snow, especially the Rams. Martz being such a stubborn ass also makes the game difficult to predict. Who knows what his game plan will be? If I were him I would run the hell out of Steven Jackson, but he probably won't.
All and all this one of the worst matchups I have ever seen. I am leaning towards the dog RAMS, just because I don't know what to expect. I am definitely open to any reasons and trends favoring the Hawks. Good luck and I will post my final picks in the morning.
Reasons to NOT bet the Rams.
I've always remember hearing people talk about the old saying in order to win in the playoffs you have to do 2 things: Run the ball, and stop the run. In order to do those things you need to control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball and I believe that old saying is true. If you watch the Pats and Steelers you instantly realize that the main reason they are so tough is because of their awesome lines, especially offensive. The Rams on the otherhand stink. Nutten may be injured to boot. The Rams are 29th in the NFL against the run giving up a robust 136 yards per game. They are also only 26th in the NFL in rushing offense at 101 yards a game. I believe that they are good enough to run the ball, but the question remains will Martz be a stubborn a-hole and insist on passing, if so you mine is well chalk up a loss for your Rams bet.
Another reason not to bet the Rams is because they have given up 50 sacks this year, an extraordinarily high number. Seattle's D-line is not that good, so maybe this stat in itself is not that determinative on the outcome of the game.
Another reason not to bet the Rams is that they have the worst special teams in the NFL. I read on some CBS sports or ESPN website that they have the worst special teams hands down. As evidenced by a 95 yard kickoff return by some no name on the Jets last week. This too, makes me scratch my head.
Another reason not to bet the Rams is because they are 2-6 on the road this season. Granted one of those wins was against Seattle, but the other was against SF Niners, and they were hammered by teams such as the Dolphins, other losses to the Panthers and Packers were ugly as well, but it is important to note Bulger did not play in the Panthers and Cardinals losses, and the Rams success clearly rests on the shoulders of Bulger.
Another reason not to bet the Rams is because it will likely snow in this game. 80% chance with temps in the 30's. I have never seen the Rams play in the snow, but I can't imagine them having too much success. Seattle probably does not have much experience in the snow either, but I figure that any snow favors the Hawks.
Reasons not to bet Seattle.
This team sucks just as much as the Rams. This team managed to give up 43 points to Dallas at home!!!!!!!!!! They were also absolutely crushed by Buffalo at home. They did however finish the season with a 5-3 home record.
They are 8th in the league in Rushing offense at 130 yards a game, and they are almost as bad as the Rams in rushing Defense giving up 126.9 yards a game on the ground qualifying them for 23rd in Rush defense. Their pass defense is equally bad ranking in at 23rd in the league.
Normally I would say Bulger would shred them but it will be interesting to see how the snow effects the game. The Hawks have not impressed anybody this season, and the fact that the Rams have beaten them twice does not bode well. It is extremely difficult to bet on this team, but on the otherhand it is extremely difficult to bet the Hawks. The weather is a huge X factor as it is very difficult to gauge how either team will react to the snow, especially the Rams. Martz being such a stubborn ass also makes the game difficult to predict. Who knows what his game plan will be? If I were him I would run the hell out of Steven Jackson, but he probably won't.
All and all this one of the worst matchups I have ever seen. I am leaning towards the dog RAMS, just because I don't know what to expect. I am definitely open to any reasons and trends favoring the Hawks. Good luck and I will post my final picks in the morning.
