ESPN, December 13th, 1.30am
Two teams seemingly going in opposite directions
and the Rams’ are about to throw 3rd string QB, Tom Brandstater into
the bear pit that is CenturyLink Field. The former Fresno State signal-caller,
who hasn’t thrown a pass in anger in the NFL, will be going up against a pretty
‘salty’ Seattle defense; the hawks’ front seven have improved as the season has
gone on and may damage Brandstater, who must be wishing he was wrapping
presents instead. Even if Bradford does go, he’s badly banged up and will be almost
as fragile. Kellen Clemens, signed on Wednesday, could find himself under
centre at some point.
St. Louis rank dead last in run defense, which
could be a problem as Marshawn Lynch is running like a man possessed and has
gone over 100 yards in four of the last five games. If Seattle get him going,
this could get ugly. Tarvaris Jackson is managing the game well and even
completing some passes, and should be able to air it out tonight on the back of
the run game, although the Rams do have a pass rush and Okung has landed on IR
to add to the Seahawks’ injury problems along the offensive line, so there’s a
glimmer of hope for the road team.
Another hope is Steven Jackson, but St Louis’s
offensive line has lost players too, with left guard Jacob Bell the latest
casualty. Jackson hasn’t been putting up numbers recently as a result. The Rams
have some talent out wide, but they’ve given up an eye-watering 43 sacks on the
seasons, and Seattle have started to put it together against the pass, with
eight picks in the last four games, so their wideouts may starve.
If Seattle just key on stopping Jackson and bearing
down on Brandstater/Bradford/Clemens/whoever and feed Marshawn Lynch, with the occasional
look for Golden Tate and Doug Baldwin, they should beat the Rams going away.
Pick:
Seattle -9 @ 1.91; -110; 10/11 (WH)
Pick:
1st TD Seahawk Defense @ 26;
2500; 25/1
Pick:
Anytime TD Golden Tate @ 3.4; 240; 12/5
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