Game Preview
The Los Angeles Rams head east to face the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, where surging form meets a banged-up roster. Matthew Stafford has the Rams humming, while Bryce Young has shown improved accuracy despite constant pressure and injuries around him. With Los Angeles pushing in the NFC race and Carolina seeking a statement win at home, this matchup offers a stark contrast in trajectory. The key questions: can Carolina’s reshuffled offensive line hold up, and can its secondary slow a Rams passing attack that keeps stacking points?
Game Information
| Date | Sunday, November 30, 2025 |
| Kickoff | 1:00 PM EST |
| Location | Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC |
| Surface | Artificial |
| Roof | Outdoor |
| Weather | Overcast, 45–50°F, winds ~8 mph |
Injury Report
Carolina Panthers Injuries
- Out: David Moore, Christian Rozeboom, Jaycee Horn, Brady Christensen, Robert Hunt, Cade Mays, Damarri Mathis, Patrick Jones II, Chandler Zavala, Claudin Cherelus, Jonathon Brooks, Popo Aumavae, Corey Thornton, Tre’von Moehrig
- Questionable: None
Los Angeles Rams Injuries
- Out: Roger McCreary, Quentin Lake, Keir Thomas, Tyler Higbee, Rob Havenstein
- Questionable: Kamren Kinchens, Poona Ford, Tutu Atwell, David Quessenberry
Quarterback Matchup
Matthew Stafford (Los Angeles Rams)
Over his last three games, Matthew Stafford has averaged 227.7 passing yards on 33 attempts with 21.3 completions, delivering 3.0 TDs per game with 0 INTs and taking just 0.67 sacks per contest (away_qb_stats.L3). His 63.9% completion rate and 6.74 YPA aren’t flashy, but the clean sheet and low sack rate highlight quick processing and stable protection. With weapons like Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, plus a functional run game led by Kyren Williams, Stafford can stress a Carolina secondary missing key pieces. The Panthers’ recent pass rush has been muted (home_def_stats team week 12 2.34% pressure rate), a favorable setup for Stafford’s rhythm passing and play-action staples.
Bryce Young (Carolina Panthers)
Bryce Young has quietly stabilized in his last three, averaging 247.0 passing yards on 33 attempts and 22 completions with 1.33 TDs, 1.0 INT, and 2.67 sacks per game (home_qb_stats.L3). He’s completing 66.3% at 6.91 YPA, showing timing and touch in the intermediate areas. The concern is protection: Carolina is without its starting center and multiple guards, a tough draw against a Rams front that recently posted a team week-12 22.37% pressure rate (away_def_stats team current). If the pocket holds, Young can work to rookies Tetairoa McMillan and Xavier Legette and tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders. Sustaining drives and avoiding negative plays will be critical to keep this within one score.
Edge: Stafford’s turnover-free run and low sack rate give the Rams a clear edge, especially against a Carolina pass rush that hasn’t been getting home. Young’s accuracy is encouraging, but protection concerns tilt this matchup toward Los Angeles.
Why Los Angeles Rams Covers
Los Angeles brings the more reliable quarterback and the healthier, deeper roster to Charlotte. Stafford’s recent line—3 TDs per game, 0 INTs, 0.67 sacks (L3)—pairs with a receiving corps of Davante Adams and Puka Nacua against a Panthers secondary missing Jaycee Horn and others. Up front, Carolina’s interior line is depleted with Cade Mays, Robert Hunt, and Chandler Zavala out, which invites pressure from Byron Young, Jared Verse, and Kobie Turner. The Rams’ defense just held Tampa Bay to seven points, and their recent team pressure is strong (week-12 22.37%). Add a slight rest advantage (Carolina on a short week) and a Panthers offense still searching for explosive plays, and Los Angeles has multiple paths to margin with sustained scoring and disruptive defense.
Why Carolina Panthers Covers
Carolina can hang inside the number if Bryce Young’s recent accuracy (66.3%) and steady 6.91 YPA (L3) translate to efficient, clock-chewing drives. At home, the Panthers can lean on Rico Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard to keep the chains moving and shorten the game. The Rams arrive with their own issues: Tyler Higbee is out, and tackle depth is tested with Rob Havenstein out and David Quessenberry questionable. If Carolina can generate timely pressure and win field position, a lower-possession script sets up backdoor opportunities. Special teams and a couple of short fields could be enough to offset Los Angeles’ talent edge. A defensive red-zone stand or two could turn a 14-point game into a late single-possession cover.
The Pick
Los Angeles Rams -10 (-115)
