JD's Keys and Week 9 NFL Picks

Key #1 - Offensive Play. Read that first word as: the portion of a football team that is meant to score points and matriculate the ball down the field or, conqsequently, what the St. Louis Rams lack of said production has created; either way you'd be right. The Rams are hoping to consistently create more opportunities; the potential return of running back Steven Jackson would bolster the chances of this happening on Sunday against the Cardinals. Somehow, quarterback Marc Bulger threw for 301 yards last week even though he looked jittery in the pocket throughout the contest; even with that much passing yardage, the Rams fell short on the point scoring side of things. Key #2 - Welcome Home! The defensive linemen and linebackers of the St. Louis Rams will be certain to provide a most warm of welcomes to former Rams quarterback Kurt Warner. And by warm, I mean that the defense has been licking their chops all week to have an opportunity to create turnovers at the gloved hands of the fumble prone Warner. Warner is certainly capable or torching defenses (I'll get there in a second), but he is also capable of losing games by himself because of his own jitters in the pocket. Key #3 - Weapons of Mass Destruction. If the Rams defense is unable to pressure Warner a great deal, this team will be in trouble. Arizona arguably possesses the most lethal set of receivers in the league. The production of Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald speak for themselves, but even young Steve Breaston is getting in on the action. While Boldin was out with injuries the weeks preceeding his triumphant return last week (two receiving touchdowns and a thirty yard run) Breaston was able to fill in amply, especially with his special teams play. If Jackson is healthy for the Rams and the defense plays with the same tenacity, and results, it has exhibited under Jim Haslett then the Rams can win this game. But a situation to certainly keep an eye on is the frustration of receiver Torry Holt in light of the ascendancy of Donnie Avery. Holt is not one to throw a teammate or the team itself under the bus in pursuit of his own glory, but he is a competitor and wants to help his team win. My Prediction: Rams 35- Cardinals 27 Week 9 NFL Picks (Season Record: 61-41) My Predicted Winners are Listed Sunday Bills Bears Jaguars Ravens Titans Texans Buccaneers Broncos Falcons Cowboys Eagles Colts Monday Steelers