The Los Angeles Rams and Carolina Panthers will kickoff the NFL playoffs on Saturday afternoon at Bank of America Stadium.
The Rams put together another impressive season, but thanks to a very competitive NFC West, they were only able to garner a wild-card spot despite a 12-5 record.
Meanwhile, the Panthers backed into the postseason with an 8-9 record and needed help from the Atlanta Falcons in Week 18 just to make the playoffs.
While the Rams are considered the heavy favorite despite being on the road, it's worth noting that the Panthers actually beat Los Angeles, 31-28, earlier in the season.
"I'd like to not throw it to their team," Stafford said of the meeting with Carolina, when he tossed two picks, one of which was returned for a touchdown, and lost a fumble. "I think that was the story of the game when you think about it."
Do NFL experts see the Panthers knocking off the Rams once again? Or do they think Los Angeles will get its revenge on Carolina.
Let's find out.
Rams vs. Panthers picks, predictions
Vinnie Iyer, AllSportsPeople: Rams 34, Panthers 17
Iyer: "The Rams lost this matchup in the regular season, 31-28 in Week 13. Matthew Stafford couldn't recover enough from his two interceptions, including a pick six, while Bryce Young enjoyed the best winning performance of his career. The Rams will clean up plenty for the rematch under Sean McVay with the Panthers' offense fizzling out of late. The Rams' electric tuneup against the Cardinals in Week 18 will pay off with another rout."
Bill Bender, AllSportsPeople: Rams 28, Panthers 16
Bender: "Is this too much disrespect for the Panthers? Carolina beat Los Angeles 31-28 in Week 13. Bryce Young had 206 passing yards and three TDs to three different receivers in that game – and the defense took advantage of three turnovers. That was one of three games this season where Los Angeles had multiple turnovers – and they were 0-3 S/U in those games. Los Angeles should learn from that experience, and Matthew Stafford should get Davante Adams back this week to go along with Puka Nacua, Kyren Williams and the NFL's best scoring offense. The Panthers were 3-1 ATS as an underdog of seven points or more, and that's a huge line for a road favorite in the postseason. Unless turnovers get in the way, however, Los Angeles will advance to the NFC divisional round."
- Matt Bowen: Rams
- Mike Clay: Rams
- Jeremy Fowler: Rams
- Dan Graziano: Panthers
- Kalyn Kahler: Rams
- Pamela Maldonado: Rams
- Eric Moody: Rams
- Jason Reid: Rams
- Lindsey Thiry: Rams
- Clare Brennan: Rams
- Mitch Goldich: Rams
- Gilberto Manzano: Rams
- Conor Orr: Rams
- John Pluym: Rams
- Matt Verderame: Rams
- Pete Prisco: Rams
- Jared Dubin: Rams
- Ryan Wilson: Rams
- John Breech: Rams
- Tyler Sullivan: Rams
- Dave Richard: Rams
- Jamey Eisenberg: Rams
Number of experts picking Rams: 23
Number of experts picking Panthers: 1
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