St. Louis Rams at Carolina Panthers game preview, odds and predictions

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Dec 22, 2012; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) does the heisman pose after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2012; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) does the heisman pose after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

The Carolina Panthers are coming off a big win over the Minnesota Vikings this past week. The Panthers are boasting a top 10 defense. According to ESPN, they’re 4th against the run (88.8 yards per game) and 7th against the pass (210.4 yards per game). They’re also boasting a strong run game, ranked 7th in the league averaging 135.8 yards per game.

The Rams are just struggling. They’re ranked in the bottom half of the league in passing yards per game, rushing yards per game and on defense in passing yards allowed and rushing yards allowed. They’re run defense is ranked 30th in the NFL giving up an average of 130.5 yards per game.

That match up could be what gives the Panthers the edge in this game. The Panthers aren’t taking the Rams lightly though.

“We know our hands are going to be full against a team that’s also coming off a big win, but if we get a lot of help from our fans and execute up to our capabilities, we’ll be OK,” quarterback Cam Newton said, via ESPN.

“We’re all excited about getting the opportunity to play at (home). It feels like it’s been a long time, but at the same time we’re coming in with a little bit of momentum. That’s what you want.”

Date: October 20
Start Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
Location: Charlotte, NC
Stadium: Bank of America Stadium
TV Info: FOX
Line: Carolina -6
Over/Under: 42

St. Louis is 2-4 against the spread this year, 1-2 ATS on the road. Against Carolina on the road, St. Louis is 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games. In their last 21 road games, St. Louis is 5-15-1 ATS.

Unfortunately, Carolina isn’t much better against the spread. This season Carolina 2-3 ATS and only 1-1 ATS at home.

Prediction:

St. Louis-        17

Carolina-        24