The St. Louis Rams could not have envisioned a more woeful start than what they had in 2007. Many thought the team would be a contender for the NFC West crown last year, but the Rams quickly dispatched those speculations by beginning the season 0-8. Head Coach Scott Linehan desperately needs his team to rebound in 2008 or he might be looking for work at the end of the year. NFL Betting odds at BodogLife.com have the Rams win total set at 6.5 with the over a -150.

It is safe to say that the 'Greatest Show on Turf' era officially ended in 2007 for St. Louis. The once vaunted Rams offense dropped that moniker like a hot coal by producing just 16.4 points per game last year. The club is hoping that the addition of former Kansas City/Washington offensive coordinator Al Saunders can get their aerial show back on track.

Saunders did not do a whole lot with the Redskins offense, but word is that Joe Gibbs dabbled a little too much with the offensive plans and did not allow Al to do his thing. While working with Dick Vermeil in Kansas City, Saunders coordinated one of the most prolific offenses in league history (average of 27.0 points per game over five years). The Rams are hoping he can bring that kind of magic back to St. Louis.

The Rams certainly have some talent at the skill positions and Saunders should be able to utilize them well. If Marc Bulger can return healthy this unit may rebound and do it in a big way. Running back Steven Jackson is still a premiere player as is wide out Torry Holt. The biggest question mark is the offensive line (allowed 48 sacks in 2007). This unit was ravaged by injury last year, and they must regroup for the offense to move forward.

Defensively, the 2007 Rams were perhaps an even more dreadful unit than their offensive brethren. The team gave up 27.4 points per game and generally looked like sign holders at a roadway construction project -- they occasionally stopped teams, but never for long.

There is a certain amount of hope for the defense though. While they did yield a significant amount of yardage to opponents last season, it was not the kind of totals that usually translate into 27.4 points per game. The addition of first round draft choice Chris Long to a line featuring Adam Carriker, Leonard Little, and La'Roi Glover should help reduce that number this upcoming season.

St. Louis must also reverse last season's -10 takeaway/giveaway ratio if they are to see significant improvement in 2008.

NFL Betting odds at BodogLife.com list St. Louis at 65/1 odds to win the Super Bowl, 30/1 odds to win the NFC title, and 5/1 odds to win the NFC West.

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