Rams vs. Panthers Prediction: NFL Playoffs Wild Card Player Props
The NFL playoffs kick off with Super Wild Card Weekend. The first of six matchups takes place on Saturday at 4:30 PM ET, featuring the 12-5 Los Angeles Rams against the 8-9 Carolina Panthers.
This is the fifth time a losing team has reached the playoffs, and the second time the Panthers have done so with that distinction. They’re hosting a Rams team that many regarded as the league’s best for much of the season. The oddsmakers agree, installing Los Angeles as definitive 10.5-point favourites, by far the largest spread this weekend.
Carolina has lost three of four coming into this matchup, averaging just 16 points per game during that stretch. However, the Panthers have already defeated the Rams at home this season, forcing MVP favourite Matthew Stafford into three turnovers in a 31-28 victory in Week 13. Let’s break down our best player prop bet for the NFL playoffs opener.
Rams vs. Panthers NFL Player Prop Odds and Betting Trends
The Rams own the league’s No. 1 offence. That includes the best passing attack and the highest-scoring offense in the league. Carolina was able to quell them enough in their win, but it will most likely take another high-scoring performance to emerge victorious on Saturday.
Los Angeles’ offensive prowess is reflected in several player prop odds, including anytime touchdown scorers, where the Rams’ top three options are more likely than not to find the end zone. That includes RB Kyren Williams (-155), WR Davante Adams (-135), and WR Puka Nacua (-125) on the Rams vs. Panthers odds board.
Meanwhile, Carolina’s top three options are all firmly into plus-money, including wide receivers Tetairoa McMillan (+195) and Jalen Coker (+310), as well as running back Rico Dowdle (+140).
Best Rams vs. Panthers player prop bet: Bryce Young under 31.5 passing attempts (-118)
Bryce Young continues to grow under centre for Carolina. The third-year signal-caller threw for 3,011 yards and 23 touchdowns this season. However, 31.5 passing attempts is a number Young has rarely reached. In fact, he has only thrown 32 or more passes five times this season, and two of those instances occurred in the first two weeks.
This number may reflect recency bias as Young threw 32 or more passes twice in the final three weeks of the season, both times against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
However, Young was efficient the last time these teams met, going 15 for 20 for 206 yards and three touchdowns. Beating the Rams requires keeping the LA offence off the field for as long as possible, so look for the Panthers to run the ball and attempt to control the clock, limiting Young’s attempts in the process.
Rams vs. Panthers player prop pick: Matthew Stafford over 2.5 passing touchdowns (+135)
Stafford had arguably the best season of his standout, 17-year career. He led the NFL with 4,707 yards and 46 passing touchdowns, averaging 276.9 yards through the air per game.
The 46 TDs were a career high and marked the third time he has gone for 40+. What’s more, Stafford was consistent throughout the campaign, tossing two or more touchdowns in 15 of 17 contests. He threw three or more TDs in nine games, including seven times in the last 11 weeks of the season.
There is also the matter of revenge. The Panthers induced Stafford into one of his worst performances of the season. He threw multiple interceptions for the first time in that contest, one of just two times that occurred all season. Just like the Panthers need to limit Los Angeles’ offensive possessions to win, the Rams need Stafford to air it out to advance.
Rams vs. Panthers player prop prediction: Puka Nacua over 7.5 receptions (+110)
Stafford’s biggest ally in that endeavour will be Nacua, who led the NFL with 129 catches and was second with 1,715 receiving yards.
Although Davante Adams (14 TDs) is Stafford’s favourite red-zone option, it’s Nacua and Kyren Williams that he utilizes as chess pieces to advance the ball down the field possession after possession.
Nacua had eight or more catches in a game eight times this year, including three times in the Rams’ final four games. The Rams wideout will also be seeking a small measure of revenge after being stymied against the Panthers with just six catches for 72 yards. Los Angeles needs those numbers to be significantly higher on Saturday.
