After having high expectations coming out of preseason, the St. Louis Rams had a terrible 2007 campaign. So it’s no surprise that oddsmakers have made them 75/1 long shots to win the 2009 Super Bowl.
The Rams didn’t make a lot of noise in free agency this year, which was rather surprising given how bad they were in 2007. Arguably their biggest acquisition was signing free agent kicker Josh Brown away from division rival Seattle and signing offensive lineman Jacob Bell, formerly of the Tennessee Titans.
Not many NFL enthusiasts are on the Rams’ bandwagon this season. After a disastrous 2007, pundits don’t believe St. Louis has much of a shot to win in their division, yet alone the Super Bowl. But with the addition of new offensive coordinator Al Saunders, Marc Bulger and Steven Jackson might get back on track and the Rams could surprise people this season.
No matter where you look, the Rams are listed as long shot at the major online sports books. Current prices on the Rams’ chances to win the 2009 Super Bowl range from 75/1 at Sportsbook.com, 70/1 at Bodog, and 60/1 at SBG Global.
Oddsmakers have also set the Rams’ over/under total for wins in 2008 at 6.5, but clearly think St. Louis will win more than 6.5 games considering the under pays out at –150 compared to +120 for the under.
Don’t count the Rams dead in the water just yet. They did make a solid choice for offensive coordinator when they hired Saunders. If the offensive line can protect Bulger and open holes for Jackson, Saunders’ offense can be innovative. The health of tackle Orlando Pace will be the key and whether or not the defense can stop anyone. The addition of rookie defensive end Chris Long should help in that department and who knows, maybe if the Rams can stay healthy they’ll surprise people in the NFC West.
St. Louis Rams Odds to Win 2009 Super Bowl
SBG Global 60-1
Bodog 70-1
Sportsbook.com 75-1
St. Louis Rams 2008 Regular Season Win Totals Odds
St. Louis Rams Over 6.5 Wins (-150)
St. Louis Rams Under 6.5 Wins (+120)