NFL Preseason Betting Preview

San Diego Chargers at St. Louis Rams
Saturday, 8:00 pm Eastern – FOX

Opening Line: Rams -1, Total 38.5

 

The St. Louis Rams host the San Diego Chargers in preseason action Friday night on FOX television.  The Rams began their preseason schedule last week getting a 13-10 victory at Minnesota. St. Louis quarterback Marc Bulger completed 6-of-7 passes for 42 yards in limited action.  The Rams hope to get a look at their first round draft pick, Adam Carriker out of Nebraska on Saturday.

 

The Chargers lost their preseason opener 24-16 at home to Seattle.  The Chargers gave up 17 points in the fourth quarter to the Seahawks. Starting quarterback Philip Rivers completed 5-of-7 passes for 71 yards.  Running back LaDainian Tomlinson did not play so backup running backs Darren Sproles and Michael Turner got most of the carries.

 

The Chargers are expected to play their starters for the first half on Saturday and that includes quarterback Philip Rivers.  Billy Volek and Charlie Whitehurst will get 2nd half action. “Hopefully we'll look a lot more in sync. We need to play with more consistency,” Chargers head coach Norv Turner said, “We're going to play a half.”

Current Line: Chargers -2.5, Total 38.5

 

Michael Turner should receive the majority of carries in the game. Darren Sproles will return kicks and punts with the top special teams units and is expected to play most of the third quarter. Norv Turner would also like to see first-year back Tyrone Gross get some work. RB LaDainian Tomlinson will not play on Saturday as he is usually held out of most preseason action. The Chargers will also be without starting WR Eric Parker who will miss the entire preseason.

 

St. Louis is expected to go with quarterback Marc Bulger followed by Gus Frerotte, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Brock Berlin. It is not known for sure if Fitzpatrick will play as he suffered a cracked rib earlier this week.

 

The all-time series between the Chargers and Rams is tied, 17-17.  The last meeting between the two teams was last year in the regular season as the Chargers won 38-24.