The Monday night game this week is St. Louis @ Indianapolis. Right now its Indy -13.5 and the line is holding strong for the moment. Mike Martz will NOT be coaching Monday due to an infection near his heart, which was recently operated on. What would the line be if Martz was on the sideline??
Personally, I like St. Louis. Yes, they share a common oppentent in San Francisco, who beat the Rams and lost to the Colts, but that game was played on grass, and the Rams gave up 21 2nd quarter points...and still almost won. Also, the Colts got to play Alex Smith, while the Rams faced a fresh and confident (at the time) Tim Rattey. This game is being played in a dome, and that has a big effect on the Rams performance.
I look at Indy's D, which through 5 games is already being likened to the Ravens or the Bucs. But look at who they have played - 5 teams with second or thrid tier offenses. Indy's D has improved for sure, but they have not been tested by a long shot. The Rams can score hands down, and this year they haven't scored less than 17 points in andy game.
Indy's offense has been questionable thus far. Their best chance to rack up points was against San Fran last week, and they only scored 28 points.
If St. Louis can use a little ball control and not completely depend on the passing game, they can avoid a shoot out. They can also throw down field confidently with Bulger tossing to Holt and Kevin Curtis.
Indy should not lose this game, but a Monday night game against a real offense that can play well on indoor turf...I'd take the 13.5 points (or more likely buy it up to 14).
BUT the X-factor is Martz missing. I think he is a schmuck anyways, but he is still the head coach. His absence will affect strategy and the mentality of the players and coaches.
That's what I'm thinking. Input would be greatly appreciated.
Go Bucks
Personally, I like St. Louis. Yes, they share a common oppentent in San Francisco, who beat the Rams and lost to the Colts, but that game was played on grass, and the Rams gave up 21 2nd quarter points...and still almost won. Also, the Colts got to play Alex Smith, while the Rams faced a fresh and confident (at the time) Tim Rattey. This game is being played in a dome, and that has a big effect on the Rams performance.
I look at Indy's D, which through 5 games is already being likened to the Ravens or the Bucs. But look at who they have played - 5 teams with second or thrid tier offenses. Indy's D has improved for sure, but they have not been tested by a long shot. The Rams can score hands down, and this year they haven't scored less than 17 points in andy game.
Indy's offense has been questionable thus far. Their best chance to rack up points was against San Fran last week, and they only scored 28 points.
If St. Louis can use a little ball control and not completely depend on the passing game, they can avoid a shoot out. They can also throw down field confidently with Bulger tossing to Holt and Kevin Curtis.
Indy should not lose this game, but a Monday night game against a real offense that can play well on indoor turf...I'd take the 13.5 points (or more likely buy it up to 14).
BUT the X-factor is Martz missing. I think he is a schmuck anyways, but he is still the head coach. His absence will affect strategy and the mentality of the players and coaches.
That's what I'm thinking. Input would be greatly appreciated.
Go Bucks
