http://www.walterfootball.com/nflpicks2014_08early.php
ST. LOUIS OFFENSE: Everyone is saying the Rams had such a garbage win against the Seahawks. While it's true that they had three fantastic special-teams plays to help them achieve victory - not to mention, the shadiest officiating moment of the year, which coincidentally occurred in a game in which 85 percent of the action was on the loser - the fact remains that they moved the chains very effectively throughout the afternoon.
Austin Davis did a good job of rebounding from a poor Monday night outing, but his supporting cast needs to be given even more credit. Tre Mason allows the Rams to have a legitimate threat out of the backfield, as he possesses the burst that Zac Stacy lacks. Mason ran all over the Seahawks, and he should have similar success against a Kansas City squad that is just 30th against the rush (5.14 YPC).
Having Greg Robinson in the lineup has also helped Davis. The Rams have issues with their interior blocking, but Robinson has been a tremendous upgrade over Davin Joseph. Davis, as a consequence, was barely even touched against the Seahawks. This bodes well for Davis, although the Chiefs do have a better pass rush.
KANSAS CITY OFFENSE: The Rams' defense also looked better against the Seahawks. Though Russell Wilson generated a ton of yardage, St. Louis did a great job of pressuring him. The difference was first-rounder Aaron Donald, who had a monstrous performance. Donald barely played prior to the Monday night affair, for some strange reason, but Jeff Fisher is finally using his talented rookie, and it's paying off.
The Chiefs don't have the best offensive line, so like Wilson, Alex Smith will constantly be running for his life. Smith will be able to convert first downs with his legs, as he usually does, and when he actually has time in the pocket, I like his chances to connect with his weapons against a back seven that still has major issues.
Of course, Kansas City's offense will operate through Jamaal Charles - assuming Andy Reid doesn't forget about his talented runner again. Charles will find it difficult to pound the ball against the Rams, who are 10th against ground attacks (3.77 YPC), but as long as he gets catches of the backfield, he'll do damage as a receiver.
RECAP: I wanted to bet against both teams this week, as the Rams and Chiefs are in classic fade spots. Both are coming off very emotional victories. Teams that beat Super Bowl champions as underdogs have a poor track record of covering, but then again, so does Reid in the role of a large favorite (get it, large favorite?). Reid also stinks two weeks after his bye because he spends so much time preparing for that first game.
I don't have much of a feel for this contest, but with a gun to my head, I'll fade the public and pick the Rams.
Week 8 NFL Pick: Chiefs 26, Rams 20
