Rams Given Nod Over Lions

NFL News - October 27th, 2009 - Written by John

Forgive the Detroit Lions if they forget to have any sympathy for the St. Louis Rams. It was just weeks ago that the Lions were riding one of the worst streaks in NFL history, not winning a single game in 2008, and starting the '09 season the same way. It was their win over the Washington Redskins in the third week of the season that finally broke the stigma of longest losing streak in the NFL, and now they meet the team that inherited that streak.

This game will be the Rams' best chance of the year as they are only underdogs against the Lions 3 1/2 points, according to DSI Sportsbook. These teams have only met 10 times total and the favorite has covered the spread seven times. The Rams were favored in each of their last two meetings in '05 and '06, and covered both times. They are 5-5 hitting the over against each other.

St. Louis has only covered the spread once this year in an overtime loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

With a full roster, the Lions appear to be much more competitive than prior years, hanging around in games until the second half. Matthew Stafford manned their lone win against the Redskins and has two touchdowns to just one interception in his last two games. Without it, well, it's the same old Lions. Stafford and Calvin Johnson have been held out with leg injuries, although they benefit from coming off a bye week and hope to be back on the field. If Stafford can''t go, it will be either Daunte Culpepper or Drew Stanton under center. Culpepper is also banged up after leaving his most recent game with a hamstring injury.

The Rams have been hampered by injuries as well. Mark Bulger was injured in Week Three and missed the majority of the following games. He was effective against the Jaguars, throwing for 213 yards and a score, but struggled last week with two picks agains the Colts. Bulger is in the middle of a career-worst 5.8 yards per passing attempt.

Steven Jackson has been a bright spot for the Rams, however. He ran for 134 yards last week, the third time he broke the century mark this year.

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