1) Contain Carolina’s running backs
When these two teams last met, running backs Rico Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard combined for 141 rushing yards and 203 total yards. They didn’t get a ton of big gains on the ground, but chipped away at the Rams’ front to give the offense third-and-manageable situations more often than not. Coaches and players spoke all week about finding ways to not let Carolina control the game with their backs, using film of the last matchup and as well as more recent ones to do so.
2) Win the turnover battle
A pick-six and two red zone turnovers killed the Rams’ chances in Week 13. A three-turnover game won’t fly in the postseason, and the Rams would benefit from causing some of their own this time around. In three of the Rams’ five losses, they also lost the turnover battle, so winning that on Saturday will give Los Angeles a massive edge.
3) Don’t let Carolina’s corners wreck the game
Panthers cornerbacks Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson are “as good as you’ll see in the league,” said Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford. The Rams’ receivers are also among the best in the NFL, though, and will have to win those matchups when it matters most. But, L.A. can also lean into the run game, which was very efficient in Week 13, as well as 13 personnel to limit their impact. However they choose to approach it, the Rams can’t put the game in Horn and Jackson’s hands. But if they play their brand of physical, turnover-free football, Los Angeles can and should win this game.