The schedule gods did no favors for the St. Louis Rams this season. Matchups with the AFC East and the NFC North present major challenges in the team's attempt to rebound from a 2-14 disaster last season. Long odds are no problem for head coach Jeff Fisher, whose mustache filters out any opponent advantage. Homerism aside, what do the sport scientists have to say about the Rams' chances this season?
And by sports scientist I mean the men who make the odds.
St. Louis opens the season with a road game against Detroit. The Lions are now favored by anywhere from 7.5 to 9.5 points in that one, according to Covers.com.
The Lions matchup is an interesting contrast. In the perfect world, the Rams would be at a similar place in restoring dignity to their franchise. Detroit would probably be a step ahead just because they got their quarterback a year sooner. Instead, administrative and coaches changes made ahead of the 2009 season proved to be far more successful in Detroit than St. Louis.
I certainly understand why the Lions are favored in that game. The Rams' best chance, from this really early perspective, would appear to be their improved defensive line and secondary.
We'll have more odds later today.