Seattle Seahawks (2-2 SU, 1-3 ATS) vs. Los Angeles Rams (3-1 SU, 2-2ATS)
NFL Week 5
Date/Time: Sunday, October 8th, 4:05pm EST
Where:Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum – Los Angeles, CA
TV: CBS
by Bob, NFL Football Handicapper, Predictem.com
Point Spread:SEA +1/LAR -1
Over/Under Total: 46.5
This Sunday there is a very good NFC West battle between the 3-1 Rams and 2-2 Seahawks. Yes, you read that right…the Rams are 3-1 and leading the NFC West Division while the Seattle Seahawks are trying to battle back and get back on top. The Rams and Seahawks play twice a year as division rivals, and although the Rams have not been a competitive team in the NFC yet they have managed to win three of the last four games in this series with the Seahawks including a 9-3 win just last season.
The Rams come into this game as a one point favorite at home. To me, that just means that the bookmakers truly think the Rams are the better team right now. There is no real home field advantage seeing as like 150 people show up to Rams games in Los Angeles…okay, probably a few more than 150 but you get the point. As of Wednesday evening, 52% of the betting action was on the Rams to cover at home and get the win. As for the over under, 57% thinks this game will stay low scoring and go below the total of 46.5 points.
The Seahawks are 2-2 and have not looked too impressive in the first four weeks of the season. Defensively, they are still looking solid, but until the game against the Colts this past week, the offense has struggled. Part of the problem was that Russell Wilson was not 100% healthy and he lacked mobility which is a big part of his game. Now, it appears that Wilson is ready to roll and he should be able to be the playmaker that has made the Seahawks a success on offense. As for the defense, they are a big key in this game as well. Jared Goff appears to be coming into his own and now that Goff has to be respected by NFL defenses, it has opened things up for stud running back, Todd Gurley. If the Seahawks can take away the run game which is not easy to do, they could make things tough on the Rams…however, if Gurley runs wild, it could be a long day for Seattle.
Are the Rams for real? They sure seem to be but the season is still very early and a lot of teams storm out of the gate only to fall on their faces. Look at the Vikings last season for example. Anyhow, so far though, Los Angeles has been pretty impressive. Goff looks like he is getting the hang of things, Gurley is playing more like the back he was drafted to be, and the defense has made enough plays and held up enough to start the season 3-1. The key to this game is solid play on both sides of the ball. We know the Seahawks defense is one that is tough to move the ball on at times, so the Rams need to make sure that not only they get some offense going, they need to make sure their defense is also tough and they do not have to play from behind. If Los Angeles can keep this game low scoring then I think they could be 4-1 and in great control of the NFC West moving forward.
I have a feeling this game will be sloppy, hard fought, and extremely low scoring. This is exactly what the Rams want…however, for some reason I just like Seattle in this one. It is a total toss up and I will not be surprised with either result but I am going with the Seattle Seahawks in a 14-12 defensive battle.
Bob’s Pick to Cover the Point Spread: TAKE THE SEATTLE SEAHAWKS +1 AND UNDER THE POSTED TOTAL OF 46.5. Bet this game and all of your wagers at a sportsbook that lets you bet at discounted odds (-105 instead of -110), thatoffers live in game betting and that has the biggest variety of wagers (including high school football betting). Oh, and they offer FAST no hassle payouts as well! —> 5Dimes!
