Raiders vs. Rams 2014 picks and predictions: St. Louis expected to roll

For a little while, it appeared the Oakland Raiders would become the second team in NFL history to go 0-16, joining the 2008 Detroit Lions in infamy. Then the Raiders went on national television and pulled a stunner in the rain last Thursday, defeating the Kansas City Chiefs, 24-20, to relieve the team and fan base.

With the win, Oakland relaxes, but also retains an excellent chance at owning the top pick in the draft. The Raiders are 1-10, tied for the worst record in football along with the Jacksonville Jaguars. On the surface, it appears they have little to play for. However, with a new coach likely coming and potentially a new general manager, the players have everything to prove. Against the St. Louis Rams Sunday, they will have that chance once again.

St. Louis is not going to make the playoffs, but is one of the more dangerous teams in the league. At 4-7, the Rams have beaten the Broncos, Seahawks and 49ers while taking the Cowboys, Chargers and Eagles to the wire. Shaun Hill has been exactly what he was expected to be, completing 59.7 percent of his throws with a pair of touchdowns and three interceptions in three starts this season. St. Louis instead wins with defense, a unit which boasts Robert Quinn on a nasty defensive line. The Rams have 21 sacks over the last six games, but will be tested against Oakland, which has only allowed 13 sacks all year.