The SMRTest sports yakkers in the land say that this fixture is the most unlikely to produce an upset. And they’re probably right. [rising voice] “But you never know…”

To The Game!

Rams/Panteros:

-Cackalacky limped into these playoffs but does anyone care to recall that this was a rebuilding year for the team and that they’ve exceeded every expectation that was placed on them?

-Okay, fine. Most every year is a rebuilding year. Whatever.

-The Rams D was an intimidating unit earlier in the season but limped down the home stretch. They allowed an average of 28ppg their last half-dozen outings.

-During that weird upset earlier in the season the Panteros forced three turnovers and had a pick six. They also converted two 4th down plays into TD’s and snapped Stafford’s 28 game consecutive TD throws streak. Something along those lines will have to happen again and the odds are much like your high school crush texting you out of the blue 40 years down the road.

-Carolina will have to slow the game right down and make it as low-scoring as possible. Does Dowdle have a third 200+ scrimmage yard game in him? He did it back-to-back in October which was a looong time ago.

-Los Panteros have 31 players on their roster that have never played in the postseason. Did I mention that this was a rebuilding year?

-The Rams get Davante Adams back finally. Carolina has the slightly above-average Jaycee Horn at one corner but after that? Yeesh.

-Keep an eye out for Derrick Brown on the Panteros defensive line, the guy has been beastly all season.

Enjoy the game.