This is a 10* NFC WEST GAME OF MONTH on the St. Louis Rams.

For a number of different reasons, I like the surging home side to find a way to get the job done at the end of the night. Arizona is still clinging atop the NFC standings, but has definitely shown some cracks in the armor of late, one of which is its play on the road, losing its last two straight away from friendly confines. The Cardinals have been getting the job done with tough defensive play, as the offense has sputtered in recent weeks and simply put, I believe this fact will be the difference in the outcome of tonight's contest. St. Louis will be looking to become the first team in 38 years to shut out three straight opponents. Since beating the Rams 31-14 on November 9th, Arizona has just four offensive TD's in four games; QB Drew Stanton has thrown five INT's in that span. Also note that the Cards are down top rusher Andre Ellingon, who was placed on season-ending injured reserved earlier this week. It's hard not to imagine the Cardinals looking ahead to their game vs. Seattle next week as well, as remember, Arizona fell 19-3 in Seattle on November 23rd. This is as strong a "situational" play as you could possibly ask for. St. Louis is streaking, it's outscored Oakland and Washington 76-0 over the last two weeks. St. Louis has dominated two pathetic teams in a row, but note that it's won three straight in front of the home town crowd, beating Seattle 28-26 and holding Denver to its lowest point total of the season in a 22-7 win in the process. QB Shaun Hill has been pivotal, he's completed 62 percent of his passes with six TD's and two INT's while starting the last four games. Note that Arizona is already 0-2 ATS this year as an underdog in the 3.5 to 9.5 points range, while St. Louis is 2-1 ATS this year when playing the role of favorite. After taking all of the above factors into consideration, all signs do indeed point to ST. LOUIS as the sharp move here.

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