How the mighty have fallen. The Carolina Panthers were 8-3 heading into Week 13 last season, the year they won NFC South and took a first round bye into the postseason. This year, they managed to have almost the exact opposite record (3-7-1) with only a tie keeping them from six-straight losses.
The Panthers pay a visit to Minnesota this weekend with the hopes of breaking their winless streak. It won’t come easy, though, as the Vikings will be motivated after a narrow 24-21 loss to the NFC’s best scoring team in the Green Bay Packers.
Looking to get some action in on the weekend? We have some big treats for you. Check out our complete previews for the big Patriots vs. Packers and Broncos vs. Chiefs games.
[sc:Football ]Carolina Panthers vs. Minnesota Vikings Preview
Where: TCF Bank Stadium, Minnesota
When: Sunday, November 30, 1:00 PM ET
Line: Carolina Panthers (+3) at Minnesota Vikings (-3); total 43.0 – view all NFL lines
Betting on the Carolina Panthers
Carolina’s bye week could not have come at a better time as the Panthers needed any break they could get in the midst of a five-game losing streak. That said, the Panthers are winless following their bye week since Cam Newton took over the quarterback duties for Carolina in 2011.
[sc:NFL240banner ]The bye should have given the quarterback enough time to rest his injuries after he looked gimpy on several occasions in the 19-17 Week 11 loss to Atlanta. A healthier Newton should be able to open up his dynamic running game against a Minnesota defense that has looked vulnerable against the rush in the past two weeks, allowing 4.6 yards per carry. The dual-threat quarterback has been sharp with his legs this season with 4.6 yards per rush and two rushing scores.
With the Vikings’ holes against the rush, Newton may want to run the ball more often than pass especially against a Minnesota secondary (10 interceptions) that can give wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin some problems. You can’t count out the rookie receiver though. He’s made some excellent plays in the past two games, finishing with 179 yards and three touchdown catches.
Sacks could also be plentiful for the Panthers when the pass rush unit of Mario Addison (five sacks), Charles Johnson (five sacks) and Dwan Edwards (four sacks) face a beatable Minnesota offensive line. The Vikings have given up the second-most sacks in the league (34).
Betting on the Minnesota Vikings
A sputtering start to the game from rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater left the Vikings wondering whether they would have clinched their first NFC North win of the season with better quarterback play in their loss against the Packers on Sunday.
Bridgewater overshot a deep pass to Charles Johnson, threw too high for Jarius Wright, had an interception and was nearly intercepted a second time all in the first half. The rookie then played his best in the fourth quarter as he went 8-for-10 for 69 yards and a touchdown to bring Green Bay’s lead down to three.
With the nerves of facing the NFC North’s top team out of the way, Bridgewater may be due for a big and consistent game against Carolina. The Panthers have allowed an average of 254.9 yards passing while giving up 20 passing touchdowns in the season. The Vikings may also mix in some no-huddle offense to give Bridgewater the same feeling of playing catchup late in the fourth quarter, which should help bring up the rookie’s production.
Minnesota may also enjoy some scores from their running game against a Carolina defense which has conceded 13 rushing touchdowns this year. Running back Matt Asiata didn’t play against Green Bay due to a concussion. Should Asiata return, he’ll be the Vikings’ main weapon scoring on the run with a team-high six rushing touchdowns while rookie Jerick McKinnon figures to be the more suitable option on the open field with 4.8 yards per carry and a team-high 538 yards.
On the other side of the ball, the Vikings have a secondary which could cause Carolina quarterback Newton’s turnover problems to resurface. Free safety Harrison Smith has a team-high four interceptions and will be a constant threat in the secondary as Newton has thrown 10 interceptions in his last seven games.
Meanwhile, six-year cornerback Captain Munnerlyn (two interceptions and four passes defended) should be able to limit Carolina’s No. 1 receiver Benjamin, who has caught only 52 of 98 targets this season.
The Vikings are 4-1 ATS in their last five games.
Writer’s Prediction
The Vikings win and cover -3 against a hapless Carolina side. Vikings fan? Create a betting account now and earn some cash while cheering for your favorite football team.
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