3. Los Angeles Rams vs. 6 Carolina
How Los Angeles can win: The Rams are built around their offensive line, with OTs Tyron Smith and Anthony Munoz anchoring the edges. The secondary will have its hands full with Panthers WRs DeAndre Hopkins and Torry Holt. Generating pressure against J.R. Sweezy will be critical, and the Rams have a favorable matchup there with DTs Jurrell Casey and Brandon Mebane. Rams QB Warren Moon would be wise to avoid shutdown CB Stephon Gilmore in coverage. — Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire
How Carolina can win: The Panthers’ interior offensive line may be a critical weak link in this matchup against the Rams’ DT tandem of Jurrell Casey and Brandon Mebane. However, if the Carolina offense can get some vintage Todd Gurley runs outside, it will put a lot of pressure on the Rams defense. LB Bobby Wagner won’t make it easy, though. Defensively, Carolina needs to account for WRs Steve Smith and Keyshawn Johnson. If Stephon Gilmore and Co. can lock those two down, it will make a big difference. — Tim Weaver, Panthers Wire
[opinary poll=”which-team-wins-this-matchup_usatodayhss-3W1eYs” customer=”usatoday”]
Other matchups:
Hou vs LAC / KC vs Ten / Cle vs Pit / Mia vs LV // Dal vs Was / SF vs Atl / NO vs Det