Rams can run it, but not enough against Saints

Nobody is going to confuse Saints-Rams with Pacquiao Cotto betting, but the Rams are definitely worth consideration to cover. New Orleans was given a similar edge last week against Carolina but failed to make up the necessary points. So is St. Louis a great underdog pick this week?

New Orleans Saints at St. Louis Rams

Sunday, Nov. 15 at 1:00 p.m. ET

NFL betting line: Saints -13.5

Stopping the run is a growing concern in New Orleans. The Saints are allowing 112 rushing yards per game and that number has been steadily rising over the past month. The team’s last three opponents are averaging 160 yards per game, plus seven touchdowns. Right now the Saints don’t appear to have any answers for a power running game.

That’s where the Rams come in. Steven Jackson is averaging nearly 100 yards per game this season and he’s been especially good the past two weeks, racking up 283 yards, a 6.2 average and a score. Of course, he’ll have to do it alone; St. Louis’ passing game is averaging just 171 yards per game in the air, plus an awful 56.4 completion percentage.

That gives the Saints offense a big edge. New Orleans is racking up 37 points per game, and it’s tough to slow the team down when it’s so balanced. The Saints can toss it with Drew Brees, who leads the NFL in touchdown passes, or grind it out with a trio of backs—Pierre Thomas, Mike Bell and Reggie Bush. New Orleans is fifth in rushing this season.

They’ll be attacking a Rams defense giving up 134 yards per game on the ground. Sportsbook bettors are well aware St. Louis is simply overmatched and it’s hard to believe going against New Orleans will be any different, especially with so many weapons to choose from.

The Panthers were able to cover a double-digit spread last week, but they have much more talent than St. Louis. After Jackson there’s a major drop and, while he’ll surely have some room to run against New Orleans, Brees and company will simply put up too many points to keep pace. Take New Orleans to cover on your NFL picks.