The Los Angeles Rams are 7.5-point underdogs on the road against division rival San Francisco 49ers in Week 3 NFL action Sunday. The Rams are fresh off an awful effort vs. the Cardinals who beat them 41-10. The 49ers were upset by the Vikings in a disappointing effort last week.

Expect the Rams to be in desperation mode because starting the season 0-3 overall and 0-2 in the division is close to a death sentence. The total in this game is set at 43.5 with several key offensive players expected to miss this game.

To read more about the Panthers vs. Raiders Week 3 matchup and to see how I’m approaching this game, keep reading.

Panthers Vs Raiders Odds Week 3

As of September 21 at Bet Caesars

Panthers vs. Raiders Picks Week 3

Panthers O16.5 points (-115)

This is a low bar and it's easy to understand why. The Panthers have been a mess offensively and have only scored 13 points combined in the past two games. But that was with Bryce Young at QB. With Andy Dalton under center, the Panthers should be able to move the ball effectively.

Bryce Young was sacked six times in Carolina's first two games, which would lead some to believe the Panthers offensive line has been playing poorly. In actuality, Carolina's offensive line has been playing really well and no center in the NFL has a better pass blocking grade than Austin Corbett according to PFF. Only one guard has a better PFF run blocking grade than guard Robert Hunt. As a whole, the unit ranked 2nd in the NFL in PFF's pass block efficiency.

With an effective offensive line, Andy Dalton should be able to cook vs. Las Vegas. Yes, the Raiders have an elite defensive line, but Carolina's line can help neutralize it and give Dalton time to exploit a weaker back end of the defense. Sure, Dalton is 36-years-old, but in his last start (on the road in Seattle) he threw for 361 yards and 2 TD (0 INTs) on 34-for-58 passing. 

Looking for a place to bet on the Panthers vs. Raiders game? See our Best NFL Betting Sites Guide. 

Panthers Vs Raiders Prop Pick

Adam Thielen O43.5 rec yards (-110)
Adam Thielen O3.5 rec. (-150)

Thielen often lines up in the slot and the Raiders have been vulnerable defending slot receivers this year. For instace, the Zay Flowers TD vs. Las Vegas last week came from the slot. According to FTN Fantasy, the Raiders rank 21st in the NFL so far vs. No. 3 WRs.

With Bryce Young in the rear-view mirror, Adam Thielen must have taken a sigh of relief. The last time Andy Dalton started for the Panthers, Thielen was targeted 14 times to the tune of 11 catches for 145 yards and a TD.

Panthers Vs Raiders Betting Trends