The preseason is that time of the year where patience and careful analysis can bring very profitable results. However, even with the multitude of games, one must pick their spots. Yesterday I released an opinion play on Dallas since there were many contradictory trends for both teams. The deciding factor was first year coach and first home team angle. But this game clearly illustrated the patience that I spoke about. There was a stronger game on the ticket, which I capitalized on, but didn't want to just shun the Cowboy opportunity. Tonight we are in another such situation where there is a another stronger game on the ticket but yet another one that warrants at least some consideration. That game is the St. Louis/Minnesota contest.
Last season the Rams made some good progress under first year coach Scott Linehan where they would have made the playoffs if it weren't for a mid-season slump that caused them to end the season at 8-8. In the off season the Rams were able to land Pro Bowl TE Randy McMichael from the Dolphins to add to an already imposing front line that averages 310 pounds. His addition along with this huge front line should give both QB Bulger and RB Jackson some much needed help this year. However, they Rams have not been very successful in their first games of the preseason on the road as they are only 3-11 ATS.
Last season was a tale of two seasons under first year coach Brad Childress. Up to their bye week the Vikes were an impressive 4-2 only to slide to 2-8 after the rest. They did improve last season on both offense and defense which did give them some solid building blocks going into the season. The Vikings made a big acquisition in the draft adding Oklahoma RB Adrian Peterson. He will add big playmaking abilities and should compliment Chester Taylor nicely. Minnesota has had good success in the preseason home openers as they are 15-8 ATS.
Other factors to consider tonight is that Linehan is 0-4 ATS in preseason so it appears that he is one of those coaches who doesn't hold a lot of stock in these early games while Minnesota is 7-2 ATS versus the NFC. In addition, the Rams have very little depth on defense and in preseason with regulars playing sparingly that should fall well into Minnesota's hands. Opinion Play Take Minnesota minus the points.
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