Bradford gives Rams hope for this week and many more
Even in a junkyard there can be things worth salvaging. The NFL’s trash pile is the NFC West, where a treasure has emerged in St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford.
The Rams and Seattle Seahawks are tied for first in the division with 5-6 records, so eight victories should be enough to lock up a playoff spot. St. Louis is a slight favorite to get there.
The biggest positive for the Seahawks is their hyperactive former college coach. The Rams’ future is a little brighter because their defense is sturdier and their quarterback is a keeper.
Bradford, the No. 1 draft pick from Oklahoma, has avoided injuries and many of the ugly mistakes that come with inexperience. The league’s top rookie has passed for 2,466 yards and 17 touchdowns. He has just 10 total turnovers — nine interceptions and one lost fumble.
It’s not as if he is supported by superstars, either. Bradford’s top wide receiver is 5-foot-11-inch Danny Amendola, who has a contract for $310,000 this year. Running back Steven Jackson has been limited to 3.8 yards per carry and three touchdowns.
But Jackson, who has 883 yards on 232 carries, is balancing the offense to keep defenses honest. He should bust loose Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals, who rank 31st in rush defense by allowing 146.5 yards per game.
The Cardinals, on a six-game losing streak, do nothing well. But they do routinely beat the Rams. Arizona has won eight straight in the series, including a 17-13 victory in Week 1.
But I usually like division revenge situations, and I like the Rams as 3-point road favorites. The line is inching up, so I’ll bet the Rams at 3 (minus-120) instead of 3½.
St. Louis, steadily improving behind underrated coach Steve Spagnuolo, sees a ray of hope, and its opponent is in disarray.
The Rams discovered success on the road Sunday, as Bradford passed for 308 yards and three touchdowns in a 36-33 victory at Denver. A day later, Cardinals quarterback Derek Anderson was laughing off a 27-6 home loss to San Francisco.
Four more plays for Week 13 (Home team in CAPS):
■ CHIEFS (-8½) over Broncos: Denver’s Kyle Orton has great fantasy numbers, with 3,370 passing yards and 20 touchdowns. But the Broncos have lost six of seven, and their nightmare will continue. Kansas City coach Todd Haley is bitter about a 49-29 loss at Denver on Nov. 14. The Chiefs, 5-0 at home, will ride their running attack to an easy victory.
■ BUCCANEERS (+3) over Falcons: Both teams are getting involved in tight games, and their first meeting went to the wire. This is a defining game for quarterback Josh Freeman and the Buccaneers, who are 7-4 but have not beat a team with a winning record.
■ COLTS (-5½) over Cowboys: The injury report and recent form indicate Dallas might be the right side. However, with critics of the Colts firing away, I’ll follow a hunch and say Peyton Manning won’t lose three in a row.
■ PATRIOTS (-3½) over Jets: Tom Brady is the hottest passer in the league, leading New England (9-2) to a tie with the Jets atop the AFC East. Patriots coach Bill Belichick is 15-1 in his past 16 December games, and he has a score to settle with Jets coach Rex Ryan.
Last week: 4-1 against the spread
Season: 30-27-3
Las Vegas Review-Journal sports writer Matt Youmans can be reached at myoumans@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2907.
