Rams' Stephen Jackson Signs for $49M 5 Years | Rams Expected To Win 7 Games

St. Louis Rams running back Stephen Jackson has ended his training camp holdout and signed a 5 year $49.3M extension. Bookmakers expect the St. Louis Rams to win 7 regular season games. The contract extension is a 2 tiered contract that has rich escalators in year 4 and 5. Jackson's performance can trigger the escalators to the maximum $49.3M. Jackson has rushed for 3,576 yards and 26 touchdowns the past 3 years and caught 171 passes for 1, 396 yard and 6TDs.

The Rams are coming of an injury plagued season that saw their offense line decimated and Marc Bulger repeatedly sacked. New offensive coordinator Al Saunders is expected to revitalize the offense with a greater emphasis on the running game using the 235lb Stephen Jackson. Jackson is coming off his 3rd 1,000 yard season in 2007 and is looking for another big year.

Snapshot of St. Louis Rams betting odds:

NFL Odds St. Louis Rams Regular Season Wins

Over 61/2 Regular Season Wins -130 Under 61/2 Regular Season Wins -110

Online sportsbooks have the St. Louis Rams winning 7 games this year in the weak NFC west. The betting line is Over 61/2 Wins -130 meaning that for every $130 bet will payout $100. This betting line may provide great value if RB Jackson take it to the next level under Al Saunders offence. Click here for help in understanding Football Betting Lines explained.

NFL Odds to win the Super Bowl

St. Louis Rams +8000 New England Patriots +300 San Diego Chargers +700 Indianapolis Colts +750 Dallas Cowboys +800 Jacksonville Jaguars +1400

NFL Odds to win 2008/09 NFC West Division

St.Louis Rams 5/1 Seattle Seahawks 4/5 Arizona Cardinals 9/4 San Francisco 49ers 15/2