There’s just no stopping Carolina right now. The Panthers extended their regular-season win streak to 12 games with a convincing victory over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. They will look to stretch their unbeaten run even further when they take on the resurgent Tennessee Titans in an intriguing showdown at Nissan Stadium.
Who will emerge victorious in this important clash? Read on below for a preview of this NFL showdown and while you’re at it, you can check out our Week 10 previews of Buffalo vs. NY Jets and Cleveland vs. Pittsburgh.
Carolina will head to its showdown with Tennessee with momentum on their side after beating the Green Bay Packers, 37-29, on Sunday. It was another solid victory for the Panthers who improved to 8-0 for the first time in their 21-year franchise history.
[sc:NFL240banner ]To no one’s surprise, it was Cam Newton once again who stole the show for the Panthers against the Packers. He finished the game with 297 yards passing and four touchdowns to give the Panthers a two-game lead over every team in the NFC. Newton was particularly dominant in the first half where he accounted for more than 200 yards passing and three touchdowns (two passing and one rushing). That’s the first time he has achieved that feat in any half of his career.
They will look to sustain the momentum of that huge win when they take on the Tennessee Titans this coming Sunday. For the Panthers to remain undefeated, they will need to improve on their play on the defensive end. The Carolina defense gave up way too many big plays in the win against Green Bay. The Packers racked up a total of 402 yards on Sunday with Aaron Rodgers passing for 369 yards and four touchdowns.
They will fancy their chances, however, of stopping a Tennessee side that has struggled mightily on the offensive end this season. The Titans are fifth-worst in the NFL in total offense this season, averaging just 331.5 yards per game this campaign.
The Panthers are 5-1 SU and 5-0-1 ATS in their last six road games.
The Tennessee Titans finally snapped their six-game losing streak with a heart-stopping 34-28 overtime win over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. It was a fantastic victory by the Titans who won their first game since firing head coach Ken Whisenhunt and replacing him with interim coach Mike Mularkey.
Tennessee’s improbable victory wouldn’t be possible without the heroics of Marcus Mariota. The rookie quarterback passed for a career-best 371 yards and four touchdowns, including a 5-yard scoring pass to Anthony Fasano in overtime. It was a spectacular performance by Mariota who became the first rookie in NFL history to have two games with four touchdown passes and no interceptions. Also stepping up big time in their come-from-behind win was Delanie Walker. The wide receiver caught seven passes for 95 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
That will serve Tennessee in good stead ahead of its weekend showdown with Carolina. The Titans will have their work cut out for them, however, against the Panthers as they have been unstoppable on the road of late. Carolina has won its last three road games by an average of 9.7 points.
For the Titans to record a major shock this coming Sunday, they will need to find a way to stop the steamrolling Panthers offense. Carolina is fifth in the NFL in scoring, averaging 28.5 points per game this season. That will be a major concern for the Panthers who are allowing 23.4 points per game this season.
The Titans, in particular, need to put the clamps on the red-hot Cam Newton. He was sensational in their last game against Green Bay, recording a total of 354 yards in their latest victory. That being said, the Titans will fancy their chances of stopping the former Heisman Trophy winner as they have been playing some excellent defense this season. They are fourth in the NFL in the total defense department, surrendering a measly 316.6 yards per game.
The Titans will take comfort in the fact as well that they have dominated the Panthers in their recent meetings. The Titans have won their last three games against the still-unbeaten Panthers.
The Titans are 0-9 SU and 3-6 ATS in their last nine home games.
Writer’s Prediction
Carolina preserves its unbeaten slate with a commanding 35-17 victory.
