Vikings Big Favorites Over St. Louis Rams In Week 5 Betting Odds

NFL News - October 7th, 2009 - Written by Jimmy

After a brilliant performance on Monday Night Football, Brett Favre leads his Vikings into St. Louis for a meeting with the Rams.

This matchup is between two teams that are playing at opposite ends of the spectrum.

The Minnesota Vikings are looking great coming out of week 4. After handling the Green Bay Packers, 30 - 23, the Minnesota Vikings (4-0) are looking to keep rolling after a 3 touchdown performance from Brett Favre. Jared Allen recorded 4.5 sacks against Green Bay, while forcing a fumble of Aaron Rodgers.

As for the Rams, they are coming off a frustrating performance in which they were shut out by San Francisco, 35 - 0. Marc Bulger didn't play, leaving Kyle Boller at the helm who threw 1 interception and fumbled once. The 49ers defense was able to capitalize with 3 defensive touchdowns. The Rams are sure to have their hands full with the visiting Minnesota Vikings.

One must admit that it doesn't look good for the St. Louis Rams when facing Brett Farve, with the 19th ranked pass defense, and Adrian Peterson, with the 24th run defense. The oddsmakers are on the same page as the Minnesota Vikings are favored by 9 1/2 points against the St. Louis Rams. NFL Week 5 Betting Odds courtesy of DSI Sportsbook.

At the time of this writing, the total over/under bet for the game is listed at 40 points, paying evenly on both sides. It is known that Minnesota will put up points, but the question is whether St. Louis can. After a shutout, the Rams face the 9th ranked rush defense, and the 12th ranked pass defense.

Looking at each teams' offense, the Minnesota Vikings currently rank 21st in passing offense, but looks to be because the Vikings have Adrian Peterson, and the 10th ranked rushing attack.

The St. Louis Rams are above average rushing with Steven Jackson, currently they rank 13th in rushing. Unfortunately, St. Louis also possesses the 30th ranking passing game. With uncertainty at the position, due to injury, the passing game will most likely struggle to find a rhythm against a fierce Minnesota pass rush.

Currently, the Minnesota Vikings sit atop the NFC North, while the Rams are in the cellar in the NFC West.

Following this week, the Minnesota Vikings have two matchups with very tough defenses, before a rematch with Green Bay at Lambeau Field. Next week, the Vikings meet the Baltimore Ravens in the comfort of the Metrodome, before going to Heinz Field for a meeting with the Steelers. The last week before their bye week, Brett Favre and the Vikings will face a hostile environment in Green Bay. The next few weeks should really be a test for Minnesota.

As mentioned previously, 0-4 St. Louis most likely will not win this week, leaving them winless. Next week, the Rams may have a chance against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but will then face a fierce passing attack when facing Indianapolis. Should they be winless at that point, the Rams get a break with the Detroit Lions the week before their bye.

Kickoff is scheduled for just after 1pm EST, on Sunday, October 11th. TV coverage of the game can be found on FOX television.

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