Panthers -3.5
Ravens -4
Panthers -3.5 = of course the big story in Carolina has been the play of #1 pick Cam Newton and nobody can argue with that, the rookie has played like a beast and on the ladder end the Jags have decided to through untested #10 pick rookie Blake Gabbert into the fire. I have already said I do not believe the Jags are a good football team this year, with out the existence of past stud fantasy running back Jones-Drew nobody would know this team existed...they snuck one out in week 1 vs an asleep for the first half Titans team then turned around and got hammered by the Jets while struggling to produce any offense on the road.
The Panthers & Cam have looked very productive in the pass game (#2 ranked in passing yards per game) but look for them to get some more work going on the ground attack this week, which will in turn open it back up for big play possibilities down field via Newton. The Panthers have been in two dog fights that came down to the final quarter including one with the defending super bowl champs Green Bay.
The Jags coming into their 2nd straight road game while that Panthers are at home for the 2nd straight week. Im watching Cam and the Panthers to stay competitive & productive while the Jags and newby Gabbert will struggle offensively. Cam continues to show leadership skills and picks up his first Victory at home.
Ravens -4 = the Ravens are a good team coming off a very disappointing performance after a big week1 win, they are coming to play with intentions of proving a point. This is a veteran team that understands they can not go 1-2 and reach the goals they have set for themselves.
Sam Bradford has played well but Stephen Jackson is still their best player at this point and he has been hit with the injury bug as usual. Even if he does play I don't believe he can produce at 100% not to mention the Ravens D is 4th in Rush Yards allowed while on the ladder the Rams Defense is 32nd in Rush Yards allowed....the Ravens are drooling at their mouth looking at this, they are built to crush this team!
I don't believe this is the Rams week, they could put up some points early but the Ravens veteran squad should respond and their offense should wear down the Rams D who is coming off a short week.
GL