Los Angeles Rams at Carolina Panthers: Bold predictions

Football is back, baby. We all get hyped and some of us (myself included) go overboard with predictions. Usually my friends and family try to rein me in, but where’s the fun in that?

Here are three unabashed bold predictions that my loved ones would proudly roll their eyes at as the Los Angeles Rams get ready to open the 2019 regular season by traveling to face the Carolina Panthers in Week 1:

DL Aaron Donald gets at least three sacks

Given how amazing AD is, this almost doesn’t feel bold enough. Donald has four games in his career where he has achieved three or more sacks, and he could be primed for another on Sunday.

On top of attending training camp for the first time in three years, Donald looks as explosive as ever and is still in his prime. Panthers QB Cam Newton having a foot injury only makes me drool more over this matchup.

RB Todd Gurley gets 20+ touches

There’s been a lot of commotion regarding Gurley - specifically his knee - this offseason. The Rams matched an offer sheet for RB Malcolm Brown then brought in RB Darrell Henderson Jr. via the 2019 NFL Draft. They followed that up with generous rest during training camp. So as much as the Rams say they aren’t worried about it...they clearly are.

Despite all that, I still believe Gurley will touch the ball 20+ times. I believe he’ll also be used as a distraction while sharing the backfield with Henderson, but there isn’t a way to quantify that.

Rams win by two touchdowns

The Rams have been tabbed by pundits to regress in 2019, and I think Rams Head Coach Sean McVay will have his team thirsty to prove itself again. I think that combined with Cam being <100% leads to a big win on opening weekend for the Rams.