San Francisco at St. Louis

After a couple lackluster performances against Arizona and Chicago that left the Niners at 1-2 to start the year, looking like a team in decline. But they weren't that bad and they have answered the bell. After falling behind Philadelphia 21-0 in game four, the San Francisco defense did not allow the high powered Eagles offense to score a single point, as all 21 points allowed were non-offensive TD's. It seemed to be a rallying point for this team as they have now won two straight, and Frank Gore looks like he is 25 again. Carlos Hyde appeared to be slowly taking over, but Gore would have none of that as he has scampered for a youthful looking 365 on 4.7 yards a carry. St. Louis was supposed to be a big defensive team, but three of their four opponents have scored 34 points. The absence of Chris Long has hurt the Rams pass rush, and without any pressure, they have been getting exposed. The Rams aren't stopping the run either, so another heavy dose of Frank Gore and the Niners should be in good position to win rather easily here. On the season, the Rams have allowed 29.7 ponits per game. That spells trouble for St. Louis as the Niners are 8-1 ATS since the arrival of Jim Harbaugh vs. bad defensive teams (those allowing 24+ points per game). The Niners have been a road beast on Monday Night Football as they are a perfect 12-0 ATS since 1996 on the road if they are less than a 10 point dog and it is not a throw away week 17 game. As a road favorite of 7 points or less under Harbaugh, San Francisco is 10-2 ATS. Rather than lay -3 or -3.5 for the full game, let's take them at -2.5 on the 1st-half line. Make the play on San Francisco in this first-half in this one.