Run Game Myth in Giants vs Rams

The Giants love to run, first with Ahmad Bradshaw, then for a change of pace with battering ram Brandon Jacobs.

The Rams were scorched for 236 rushing yards in their season opener.

So betting the Giants at -7 (at shops that offer tasty $10 free wagers for good measure) seems like easy money. Right?

Not necessarily. What important difference distinguishes the Rams' Week 1 opponent (Philly) from the Giants that might impact that running game stat?

Correct, Eli Manning is not exactly Michael Vick when it comes to rushing, so expecting Manning to run for 97 yards (as Vick did against the Rams) is a little silly. And of those 236 yards, more than half came in the fourth quarter of that blowout.

[ See the latest Monday Night Matchup Stats ] | Best Rams line +7, -105

Granted the Giants will try to run the ball. It's their strength. But it may or may not be the Rams' weakness, it's too early to tell.

Still the Giants are 5-0 ATS past 5 vs St. Louis and the Rams are 3-18 SU in their past 21 road games. Not exactly comforting stats for Ram backers.