Are the Rams underrated? On paper most pro handicappers think the Rams are better on paper. The aura of Brady/ Belichik has all the money in on the Pats. The recent public perception is that the Rams are a bit lucky to get in the show while the Pats have the feel of destiny and magic. So the recent perception is where the money flows and this gives gamblers value.
Sean McVay is a creative aggressive coach and Hedgie thinks will do just fine here on the big stage. Look at Doug Pederson of the Eagles last year. His aggressive playcalling led the Eags to a victory. And McVay has a similiar style. The Rams under McVay are 8-0 against AFC opponents btw. A key factor that not many are talking about is D Coordinator Wade Phillips. He's been around the block and was very instrumental in helping Denver get the SB 50 . The Broncos defeated the Pats at home that year 20-18 and Wade Phillips devised a great gameplan to slow Brady down. Both teams are healthy and the Hedgie sees Phillips doing a bit of the same this game. Aaron Donald and Suh are incredibly disruptive up the middle. Also think back to how the Giants won vs the Pats in another past SB : pressure up the middle.
Hedgie initially was leaning under 57.5 in this game. An initial lean but upon further review this game sets p as fairly high scoring. Both teams identities are their Offenses. and Both teams will get their points. This game is being played indoors in a dome where their will be perfect conditions.
The line opened Pats -1 and 57.5. It's now Pats -2.5 and 56. The value here for the Hedgie is on a teaser.
TEASER: RAMS +9 and OVER 50 3 stars
This should be an entertaining game. Hedgie also likes to finish the season with some PROP PLAYS:
FIRST TD SCORED : Notice in the photo two weapons the Rams have that are rarely mentioned. Belichik likes to take away the opponents best weapons which are Gurley , Cooks , Woods. This leaves room for Josh Reynolds or Tyler Higbee to score first TD. Pats are traditionally slow starters so Hedgie thinks Rams score first and these have have tremendous value:
REYNOLDS 16/1
HIGBEE 33/1
JAMES WHITE OVER 5.5 RECEPTIONS (-150)
JAMES WHITE OVER 3.5 RUSHES (-130)
JAMES WHITE OVER 51.5 Receiving Yards (-150)
GRONK over 52.5 Receiving Yards (-180)
Gurley OVER 62.5 yards
CJ Anderson OVER 10.5 attempts
CJ Anderson over 41.5 yards rushing
The Pats have limited weapons and White and Gronk should have big games regardless of the outcome. Figure Rams limit Edelman and Pats limit Cooks best they can. Other players will shine.
Also, note the Pats have been slow starters. If this game is in the 10 point range end of first quarter the Hedgie will utilize an INGAME PLAY OVER somehwre in the high 40s. Stay tuned on The Hedgie on Instagram to follow ingame action.
Good Luck and stay tunes for March Madness !