NFL Week 8: Rams vs Panthers Game Preview

St. Louis Rams (3-4) vs Carolina Panthers (1-5)

Game Time: 1:00 PM EDT Sunday, October 31, 2010

Stadium: Edward Jones Dome – St. Louis, MO

Surface: Turf

Weather: Dome Stadium

Game Odds: St. Louis -3, Total: 37

The Carolina Panthers come off their first win of the season to take on the Rams, who have been hot at home (3-1), during Week 8 NFL action.

St. Louis is comfortable at the Edward Jones Dome having won three straight and QB Sam Bradford is in great form at this point in the season. The Rams will look to defend their home record and move out of third place in the woeful NFC West division.

2010 Panthers Offense

Averaging a horrific 12.5 points per game, the Panthers are league bottom-dwellers in that category and second-last in two others- overall yards per game (259.8) and passing yards (169.2). Their best offensive statistic is 95.7 rushing yards per game, where they sit just 23rd.

Unfortunately for the ground game, RB DeAngelo Williams is doubtful for Sunday with an unspecified foot injury.

2010 Rams Defense

Though the home record is promising, the Rams defense needs improvement in order to increase the streak to four straight wins at home. The Rams were shutout in the second half last week against Tampa Bay, and have been outscored 46-3 in the final two quarters of their last three games. The Rams are 8th best in the league for points allowed with 18.7 per game.

Newcomer S Michael Lewis should be full of optimism and ready to perform after arriving to the squad last week after a terrible start to the season with the 49ers.

Panthers @ Rams: Betting Odds & Game Predictions

Oddsmakers at Sportsbook.com have set the Rams as home favorites with the point spread set at -3. The game total is set at 37 points.

At Betus.com, oddsmakers are gving St. Louis -140 on the money line, while the Panthers are marked as +120 favorites.

Game Prediction: The Rams will fight for the win, led by a revitalized defense in front of the home crowd. Carolina won’t be allowed much time or space in the red zone, and will quickly forget their victory from last week. Final Score: 27-10 Rams.