Arizona at St. Louis

The Cards are off a disappointing loss to the upstart Panthers, in a game they led at the half 10-3, only to fall in the second half. I loved the Panthers in that spot and it panned out well for us last week. The Rams held their own against the Patriots, but in the end, just didn't have enough to pull off the upset on the road. This is truly an offensively-starved team in St. Louis. Yes they put up 34 against Dallas, but that was due to four key Dallas turnovers. Last week against a mediocre New England defense, they put just one TD on the board. And, the week before they were limited to 200 yards of total offense vs. Washington. Prior to that, they scored just 40 points in four games. So, as many feel this offense has gotten better, I don't really buy it just yet. But, the Rams are improved as they have gotten healthier - it's just that it's on defense! After allowing nearly 37 ppg over their first four games, they have now tightened up, and allowed just 18 ppg over their last three. Arizona has done a terrific job on offense, and I think if everything goes right, and they mentally and emotionally show-up for this one, 30 points is not out of the question. But even in that scenario, it is still asking the Rams offense to do something they have done just once this season, and that is to top the 17-point mark (the 19 they got vs. Washington included 7 scored by defense). It generally takes two good offenses to put a total OVER when you get in the upper range as we are here. In this game I only see one.