Carolina Panthers vs. Los Angeles Rams Betting Odds, Analysis, NFL Pick

The Carolina Panthers (2-5) will attempt to win consecutive games for the first time this year when they visit the Los Angeles Rams (3-4) as small road favorites. The defending NFC champion Panthers are coming off a 30-20 victory against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 8—a rematch of last season's conference title game that snapped a four-game losing streak both straight up and against the spread.

Point spread: The Panthers opened as two-point favorites; the total was 46 early in the week, according to sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark (line updates and matchup report).

NFL pick, via Odds Shark computer: 26.0-21.8, Rams (NFL picks on every game)

Why the Panthers can cover the spread

Carolina is a much better team than Los Angeles and may have just needed its bye week to regain some confidence both offensively and defensively. The team's previous two losses were both decided by just three points, and the return of a healthy Jonathan Stewart has helped take some pressure off quarterback Cam Newton.

Stewart rushed for a season-high 95 yards on 25 carries with two touchdowns versus the Cardinals, and he now has four scores and 180 yards in the last two games combined since coming back from a hamstring injury. The Panthers have also won five of the past six meetings with the Rams and covered in six of seven, according to the Odds Shark NFL Database.

Why the Rams can cover the spread

The Rams have gone 4-1 SU and ATS in their last five games against teams with losing records, and they will be extra cautious with Carolina knowing this is a dangerous opponent. Even though Los Angeles has dropped three in a row following a 3-1 start, the team is coming off its bye week and should have addressed some of the shortcomings on offense with quarterback Case Keenum under center.

Keenum threw four interceptions in a 17-10 loss to the New York Giants in London before the bye, and the Rams need to find a way to get running back Todd Gurley more involved. If they do that here, they will put themselves in great position to both cover and win.

Smart pick

Keenum has been an up-and-down performer for Los Angeles this year, and this could be the end of his run if he puts forth another poor effort. While Carson Palmer was able to pad his stats late for the Cardinals in their loss at Carolina, Keenum simply does not have the same weapons or skills to keep the Rams close in this one. Look for the Panthers to get off to a fast start and cruise to their second straight win behind a revitalized Newton and Stewart.

Betting trends

The Panthers are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games against the Rams.

The total has gone under in 14 of the Rams' last 19 games.

The Rams are 1-7 SU and ATS in their last eight games in Week 9.

All NFL betting lines and point-spreads data courtesy of Bleacher Report's official odds partner, Odds Shark. All quotes gathered firsthand unless otherwise noted. Check out Twitter for injury and line-movement updates and Odds Shark YouTube for picks and analysis, or download the free odds-tracker app.