Carolina Panthers at New England Patriots Line
The 5-7 Carolina Panthers take on the 7-5 New England Patriots in a Week 14 NFC versus AFC clash. Last week, the Panthers came through with a 16-6 win over Tampa Bay while the Patriots couldn’t stand off a late rally from Miami and fell 22-21. These two teams have not met since the 2005 season when the Panthers won 27-17 behind three rushing touchdowns by Stephen Davis. That win evened the all-time series at two games a piece. NFL odds makers have listed the New England Patriots as 13.5-point favorites with the total set at 44.
If the playoffs started today, the Patriots would be in as the AFC East champions, but they aren’t out of the woods yet. Tom Brady was so frustrated after Sunday’s loss that he called out his teammates. So now the question is if the Pats will respond to the criticism of their leader. They’ll have to or they could find themselves on the outside looking in for a second straight season. Offensively, New England has some of the best playmakers in the NFL in Randy Moss and Wes Welker. They put an enormous amount or pressure on any defense. But New England’s defense, especially the secondary, has been the unit under pressure in recent weeks. It appeared that New England’s young secondary would be a problem area heading into the season, but the group was able to start off ahead of the curve. However, a harsh dose of reality has set in the past few weeks as New England has given up huge plays in the passing game. The Patriots’ secondary could catch a break as Carolina would prefer to run it due to all the interceptions they have had, but don’t think for a minute that they won’t take a shot or two down the field with Steve Smith if New England more or less dares them to throw it. And that shot or two could could be the difference. It is worth noting that the Patriots are 21-6-1 ATS in their last 28 games following a straight up loss.
Carolina got a much needed win last week and in order to come away victorious again this week, it must be able to pressure Tom Brady. Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers is just the guy for the job. Peppers has 8.5 sacks on the season and he will have the opportunity to be a game changer Sunday. New England appeared interested in acquiring Peppers in the offseason but never made the move. Here’s Peppers’ chance to make them wish they had. While New England’s secondary has been vulnerable, the Panthers have not been at their best when throwing the football the majority of the time. In order to win this game, I feel strongly that Carolina will have to be able to run the football effectively. The Panthers might be able to just that as they lead the NFC with 150.1 rushing yards per game. It is worth noting that the Patriots are 1-9 ATS in their last 10 games as a home favorite of 10.5 or more points.
