Sunday NFL Selection

Sunday NFL Selection

NEW YORK GIANTS -3 over St Louis

The Giants return to the friendly confines of the Meadowlands when they host the Rams on Sunday. New York got a nationally televised spanking at the hands of San Diego last Sunday night, falling 45-23. Now, at 2-1, the G-Men face another 2-1 team from St. Louis. The Rams got by the Titans, 31-27, last week; however, they failed to cover the 1 TD-spread.

St. Louis QB Marc Bulger ran the Rams' pass-happy offense with his usual execution last week, when he completed 21-of-28 passes for 292 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception. He will be missing a key player from his offensive arsenal, as WR Isaac Bruce is doubtful with a toe injury. The Rams line has given up a bloated 15 sacks through three games, including four against Tennessee on Sunday. New York has had tremendous success in getting to Rams’ QBs in the past and we look for them to make it a long day for Bulger.

Eli Manning is well on his way to becoming a very good NFL QB. While he couldn't pull out a victory at San Diego last week, he played his strongest game as a pro to date, completing 24-of-41 passes for a career-high 352 yards, a pair of touchdowns, and no interceptions. Manning's emergence within the offense has meant a little less pressure on running back Tiki Barber. Barber has seen his numbers slip from the pace he established in his Pro Bowl season of 2004 but is still averaging 4.1 yards per carry. Another factor in Barber's scaled-back touches is the presence of rookie Brandon Jacobs, who has carved out a role as the short-yardage back but carried just once last week. Look for him to see more action in this contest.

While St. Louis sits at 2-1, that’s on the strength of a very weak schedule. They will play their strongest opponent of the season to date and are likely to struggle. The Rams have a history of poor play against the Giants and for that matter, all the teams from the NFC East. Last week’s unimpressive win was also a bad omen. As a PRO INFO SPORTS NFL POWER SYSTEM reveals, non-.500% road teams with a TOTAL of 47 points or less are 0-13 ATS (-10.9 ppg) off a home SU win of 2+ points and an ATS loss in which they scored 28+ points as a favorite of 8 points or less. Meanwhile, Eli Manning has won his last 3 starts at home and the team will be eager to get back in the win column with a bye up next.

PROJECTED FINAL SCORE: NY GIANTS 27 ST LOUIS 17