Carolina Panthers at Los Angeles Rams
The big test. A chance for the Carolina Panthers to prove doubters wrong and establish themselves as a potential force.
Going to the defending Super Bowl champions is a daunting prospect, there’s no getting away from that. Sean McVay’s team has an abundance of talent at their disposal once again in 2022 and even though they were soundly beaten by the Buffalo Bills on opening night, it would be a surprise if the Los Angeles Rams weren’t in the thick of things once again.
Carolina will have absolutely no expectations in this one. Anything positive they can generate from their visit to SoFi Stadium would be welcome, but their hopes of pulling off a major upset appear bleak at this juncture.
The Panthers on paper are no match for the Rams. But football is not played on paper and this sort of atmosphere under no pressure to get a result could see a more relaxed approach from the players and head coach Matt Rhule.
Just how much that would assist is anyone’s guess. Although based on Carolina’s current trajectory, it wouldn’t hurt in the slightest.
Prediction: Loss (1-5)
Los Angeles has the firepower to cause the Panthers endless problems. However, if the visitors can keep this closer than many anticipated, it could be a huge confidence boost as we approach the midway point of the 2022 campaign.