Carolina Panthers Vs. Los Angeles Rams: Bold Predictions For Week 9 Of 2016 NFL Season


The 2-5 Carolina Panthers will travel to the West Coast in Week 9 to take on the 3-4 Los Angeles Rams. The Panthers broke a four-game losing streak in Week 8 with a 30-20 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Jonathan Stewart rushed for 95 yards on 25 carries and scored two touchdowns, while the Panthers’ defense sacked Carson Palmer eight times and returned a fumble for a touchdown on the Cardinals’ opening drive of the game.

The Rams are coming off of a much-needed bye in Week 8. After starting a surprising 3-1, Jeff Fisher’s club has lost three games in a row including a 17-10 defeat at the hands of the New York Giants in London in Week 7. Neither offense played well, but it was Case Keenum’s four interceptions that ended up being the difference between a win and a loss for the Rams.

Keenum is second in the NFL in interceptions with 10 and only trails Ryan Fitzpatrick by one. Despite Case’s struggles, Fisher has been unwilling to make a change to 2016 No. 1 overall pick Jared Goff, as he’s repeatedly said that Goff isn’t ready. That being said, this could be the week Jeff finally gives in if Keenum struggles once again.

Can the Carolina Panthers win their second game in a row and keep their slim playoff chances alive, or will Case Keenum rebound and lead get the Los Angeles Rams back to 0.500?

Find out in these bold predictions.

Kelvin Benjamin Dominates

Kelvin Benjamin Carolina Panthers
[Image by Grant Halverson/Getty Images]

Benjamin only hauled in two passes for 73 yards last week against the Cardinals as he saw a healthy dose of Patrick Peterson. Although Trumaine Johnson sounds like he will be returning from an ankle injury this week for the Rams, Benjamin should still be a major part of the gameplan for the Panthers.

Greg Olsen Catches At Least 6 Passes

Olsen was had an even quieter game against the Cardinals than Benjamin as he only grabbed one pass for 11 yards. According to the numbers, the Rams are pretty solid against the pass and tight ends, but they’ve yet to face a tight end with Olsen’s ability. Look for Cam Newton to find Olsen early and often on Sunday.

Jonathan Stewart Rushes For 100 Yards

Jonathan Stewart Carolina Panthers
[Image by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images]

Stewart is the most vital part of the Panthers’ offense because the offensive line isn’t very good. He’s a big piece in pass protection, and he’s able to break tackles in order to get vital first downs. The Panthers are most successful when they’re able to run the ball, and Stewart is easily the most important aspect of the running game.

Kony Ealy Will Record Multiple Sacks

The Panthers recorded eight sacks against the Cardinals, but Ealy didn’t have a single one of them. That should change this week against the Rams as the coaching staff plans to move him to the left side of the defensive line to rotate with Charles Johnson. For whatever reason, Ealy is more comfortable on that side of the line, and it should put him in a position to grab his first sack of the season.

Panthers Emerge Victorious

Leonard Johnson Carolina Panthers
[Image by Steeter Lecka/Getty Images]

For the first time all season, the Panthers finally looked like themselves last week against the Cardinals. The offense ran the ball well and finished 6-of-14 on third downs which had been a major issue earlier in the season. The defense found its rhythm in the pass rush and forced multiple turnovers. Look for the same formula this week against the Los Angeles Rams as the Carolina Panthers emerge with a 26-20 victory.

[Featured Image by Grand Halverson/Getty Images]

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