NFL Observation

[JB2107]

First of all, the NFL Network is awesome! I thought I would pass this along and solicit comments on whether it means anything. In watching the post-game Sounds of the Game, there were very different reactions involving two teams playing this weekend.

Cincinnati - their locker room was all business after winning a very emotional game against SF. Every player in the room was focused on Marvin Lewis during his post-game speech as he talked about remaining focused on their playoff goal.

St. Louis - the Rams were celebrating their playoff berth like they already had won the NFC championship. The only thing missing was the champagne. Lots of pats on the back, congratulatory handshakes, and hugs as if they had accomplished their goal.

So, will this carry over to Sunday's game between these two? St. Louis certainly has plenty of motivation to get home-field advantage and they also have a talent advantage, but now I am a little concerned they won't come out completely focused. Thoughts?

[papachippy]

JB,

First off let me give you much respect for another great showing in the NFL Contest this year. I know alot of guys here including myself eagerly anticipate your play every week.

Regarding this Rams -6.5 over the Bengals please allow me to throw my hat into the ring. Regardless of how they acted last week after their respective games I really have to side with the Rams minus the points.

Cincinnati is having a great year helped greatly by a very easy schedule. They've had 2 quality wins this year in my opinion; Baltimore and KC. However both games were at home and they've yet to play a quality road opponent and come away with the victory. Two weeks ago they rolled into Baltimore and got their asses whooped. Beofre that game their road games consisted of powder puff opponents like the Bills, Raiders, and Cardinals. Going into St. Louis is a major test for this team and it's a test I believe they'll fail by more than 6.5 points.

St. Louis by no means has time to rest on their laurels. The celebration witnessed last week was for a team that just won their division. But a majority of those players have been to the super bowl before, and they know that their seasonal goal does not end with a divisional crown. This is a team who knows the value of home field advantage and are still fighting Philly for that opportunity. St. Louis is 7-0 at home this year with an average margin of victory of 17 points. I believe the Rams will roll in this spot and I love the number at - 6.5.

GLTU & GLTA

"Papachippy knows when to make his move."

[JB2107]

Thanks papa - the more I think about it, the more I am convinced the post-game celebration won't carry over either. I also think the Rams will win, still just a little nervous about laying the 6.5.

I have really made an effort to stay away from teasers this year, but Rams -0.5 and Tampa -1 looks pretty solid. Of course, the Bucs have burned me on more than one occasion this year.