The Carolina Panthers are on the verge of losing three games in a row, but they can avoid that with a win this coming Sunday at home when they get visited by the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings are seeking to notch back-to-back wins for the first time this season. Check out our preview of this game below.
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Betting Preview for the Minnesota Vikings vs Carolina Panthers Regular Season Week 6 Game on October 17, 2021
Where: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte
When: Sunday, October 17, 2021, 1:00 PM ET
Line: Minnesota Vikings (-1.5) vs Carolina Panthers (+1.5) – view all 2021 NFL lines
TV Broadcast: FOX
Betting on the Minnesota Vikings (-1.5)
Regular Season Record: 2-3
It may be against the Detroit Lions, but a win is a win for the Vikings, who beat Jared Goff and company last Sunday, 19-17. Prior to that, the Vikings fell prey to the Cleveland Browns in Week 4 at home, 14-7. Minnesota’s offense is having some trouble of late after scoring at least 24 points in each of their first three games. The Vikings will have next Carolina’s stout defense, though they have the weapons to bore holes on it. Especially, if running back Dalvin Cook gets to play in Week 6 after sitting out Week 5 with an ankle injury. But even if he misses the Panthers game, the good thing with Minnesota is that it’s got one of the best backup quarterbacks in the league in Alexander Mattison, who rushed for 113 yards on 25 carries against Detroit. Minnesota’s defense can’t be overlooked here, as well. Carolina’s allowed eight sacks in the last two weeks, so that’s a clear sign for the Vikings’ pass rush that it can make things happen defensively.
The over is 4-0 in the Vikings’ last four road games.
Betting on the Carolina Panthers (+1.5)
Regular Season Record: 3-2
The Panthers have hit a rough patch. After going 3-0 to start the season, they have now lost twice in a row. First to the Dallas Cowboys (36-28) on the road in Week 4, then to the Philadelphia Eagles at home in Week 5, 21-18. Sam Darnold played against the Eagles like he was back with the New York Jets, passing for 177 yards and a touchdown with three interceptions in 21/37 completions. Help could be on the way for Darnold and the Panthers’ offense, as running back Christian McCaffrey has the potential to play for the first time since suffering a hamstring injury in Week 3. If he’ll eventually sit out again, then the Panthers can ask for Chubba Hubbard to carry the rushing attack again. The rookie tailback had 101 rushing yards on 24 carries to go with 33 receiving yards on five catches against the Eagles. With how the Vikings’ offense has looked of late, this game could see the resurgence of Carolina’s defense that’s second in the league with just 17.4 points allowed per game, so far this season.
The under is 4-0 in the Panthers’ last four home games.
Writer’s Prediction
The Panthers win, 26-23.
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