St. Louis Rams: How They'll Win in Week 1

Welcome to my weekly installment of "How They'll Win..."

Let me explain. While I will always make efforts to be an objective commentator, I have to be honest when it comes to the Rams. 

I think they're going to win every week.

Now, don't get me wrong—I know the Rams are not going to go 16-0 this year. I know they'll probably win between five and seven games. But when I look at the matchups each week, I'll always find a reason to hope for a win. 

So, when it comes to predictions, I'm going to be true to myself.  I'm going to pick with my heart, and let my head try to back it up. 

I'll be looking at four angles: (1) The Story, (2) The Subplot, (3) The Key Matchup, and (4) The Forecast.

The Story: A Tale of Five Quarterbacks

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GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 02: Quarterback Derek Anderson #3 of the Arizona Cardinals prepares to snap the ball during the first quarter of the preseason NFL game against the Washington Redskins at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 2, 2010 in

This game is tough to predict, in large part, due to the quarterback position.

Kurt Warner is gone.

Marc Bulger is gone.

Matt Leinart is gone.

The starters? Derek Anderson vs. Sam Bradford.

Who would have guessed this one a year ago? 

For Bradford, its a start of something that Rams fans hope will be the next big chapter in the franchise's history. Not since Jim Everett have the Rams had a young QB with so much promise. Bradford's poise and efficiency in the preseason only stirred the Rams faithful up to a more furious frenzy. Can Bradford live up to all this? Sunday will be the first test.

Anderson, on the other hand, is a mixed bag if there ever was one. At his best, he's a strong armed QB who can rack up the yardage with the best of them. At his worst, he has the accuracy of a drunk Rex Grossman. Which version will the Cardinals see this year—or is Anderson merely holding the position until Max Hall is ready?

I think the advantage here goes to the Rams. Bradford will probably play it safe on most throws, and has demonstrated the ability to avoid turnovers. Anderson will make some big mistakes. That will be the difference.

The Subplot: Run and You Won't Have To Throw

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ST. LOUIS - JANUARY 3: Steven Jackson #39 of the St. Louis Rams carries the ball during the game against the San Francisco 49ers at the Edward Jones Dome on January 3, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. The 49ers beat the Rams 28-6. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/

This game will likely be more of a battle between Steven Jackson and Beanie Wells than it will be a quarterback duel.

Jackson is ready. He is healthy, in shape, and itching to get out there. 

Wells is an up and coming talent, but still has to show he can be the full time workhorse.

The Rams' run defense looked awfully good in the preseason (allowing only 3.3 yards per carry) and some have suggested that Fred Robbins might be one of the most underrated free agent signings this offseason. 

The Cardinals also looked strong (allowing 3.9 yards per carry). 

In the end, I'm not betting against Steven Jackson on his home turf.

The Key Matchup: Brandon Keith Vs. Chris Long

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FOXBORO, MA - AUGUST 26: Chris Long #72 of the St. Louis Rams looks on from the sideline against the New England Patriots on August 26, 2010 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

When Chris Long entered the league, everyone knew his name.

When Brandon Keith entered the league, virtually nobody knew his name.

On Sunday, they will be matched-up head-to-head. 

Many look at Long as a potential "breakout" player this year. Last year, he came on like gangbusters toward the end of the season, recording five sacks (and numerous quarterback hits) in the final nine games. This year, he moves to the left defensive end spot in place of the departed Leonard Little.

Keith is looking to be the next late round, rags-to-riches story. He has demonstrated some promise, but remains a bit of an unknown.

I think he's in for a LONG day. 

The Score: Rams 24 Cardinals 20

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ST. LOUIS, MO - DECEMBER 21: Marc Bulger #10 of the St. Louis Rams pitches the ball to Steven Jackson #39 during the game against the San Francisco 49ers at the Edward Jones Dome on December 21, 2008 in St. Louis, Missouri. The 49ers won 17-16. (Photo by

Steven Jackson will get off to a good start with 100+ yards on twenty four carries.

Chris Long will record two sacks.

Derek Anderson will throw two interceptions.

Sam Bradford will throw his first regular season touchdown.

The Rams will get out to an early lead and hold off a late charge by the Cardinals to match last year's season win total in the first week.

That's how I see it.