With receiver Davante Adams and security Lake Quentin Back in the lineup, the Rams are almost at full strength for their NFC wild-card game against the Carolina Panthers Saturday at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina
Adams, who leads the NFL with 14 touchdown catches, missed three games with a hamstring injury. He joins an offense that led the NFL in offense and scoring.
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But Lake could be the biggest difference maker for the Rams in a rematch of the November 30 match between the teams.
Learn more: How Puka Nacua’s emphasis on consistency made him the NFL’s best pass catcher
Lake injured his elbow in a November 16 win over the Seattle Seahawks and did not play in the Rams lose 31-28 to Panthersa game in which Bryce Young passed for three touchdowns and the Rams allowed 164 yards on the ground.
So coach Sean McVay can’t wait to see Lake again.
“It’s important because he’s so versatile and so physical,” McVay said, adding, “He has that presence where you feel better.”
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During their loss to the Panthers, quarterback Matthew Stafford had two passes intercepted, including one that was returned for a touchdown. He also lost a fumble.
Stafford has recently returned to the form that made him a favorite to win his first NFL Most Valuable Player award. He was named NFC Offensive Player of the Month two months in a row.
So keeping the ball in Stafford’s hands and eliminating turnovers will be key for the Rams if they want to avenge their Week 13 loss to the Panthers.
Key injuries
Rams: OL Kevin Dotson (ankle, out); WR Jordan Whittington (knee, out); TE Terrance Ferguson (hamstring, questionable); DB Josh Wallace (ankle, questionable).
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Panthers: G Rob Hunt (biceps, questionable); G Chandler Zavala (guard, questionable).
How to watch and listen to Rams vs Panthers
The Rams and Carolina Panthers will play Saturday at 1:30 p.m. PST. The game will be broadcast on Fox and Fox Deportes (Español). In Southern California, fans can listen to the game on 710, 93.1 FM and 1:30 p.m. (Spanish).
Odds and Betting Lines for Rams vs. Panthers
Who will the Rams win against the Panthers?
Gary Klein’s choice: The Rams won’t look beyond the Panthers this time around. The Rams got a break by drawing against an NFC South team that lost its final regular season game, and they will take full advantage of it on their road to the divisional round.
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Rams 30, Panthers 13
This story was originally published in Los Angeles Times.
