The Arizona Cardinals (7-7) visit the Carolina Panthers (3-11). Arizona was on its way to shocking the NFL when it rose to first place in the tough NFC West after blowing out the Jets. However, they stumbled losing three straight before beating New England in Week 15. Carolina’s record is not indicative of their on-field improvements over the second half of the season. Our Cardinals vs Panthers prediction is for underdog Carolina to cover the 4.5-point spread.
Head-to-head, Carolina has won 14 of the 20 matchups.
Offshore Odds: Arizona Favored by 4.5 Points on the Road
| Team | Spread | Money Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardinals | -4.5 (-113) | -225 | O 47.5 (-110) |
| Panthers | +4.5 (-107) | +195 | U 47.5 (-110) |
Arizona Needs to Beat Carolina Before Playing LA and San Francisco
Arizona sits in third place in the NFC West behind the LA Rams and the Seattle Seahawks. They lost both games they played against Seattle this season. However, they blew out the Rams in Week 2, If, by chance, they beat LA in Week 17 and the teams end up with identical records with Seattle fading out, Arizona would win the division.
Many things need to happen for that to come to pass.
Arizona’s season has been surprisingly successful. At worst, they would like to finish above .500. Overall, they have been reasonably solid and need a few tweaks to reach the upper echelon of the league. They are 15th in points scored per game and 10th in fewest points allowed per game. Their rushing game is productive led by James Conner and quarterback Kyler Murray. They are -2 in takeaway differential.
Carolina is the worst team in the league against the run, so expect Conner to get a ton of work.
Carolina’s Record Belies Its Forward Steps
In Week 15, Carolina was favored against the Cowboys. Normally, it would not be notable for any team to be a home favorite. But it was the first time in two years that the Panthers were favored in any game.
Of course, they lost the game. It was their fourth consecutive loss. Still, they put up a fight against Kansas City, Tampa Bay, and Philadelphia in three straight weeks.
Still, it is indicative that the team is progressing under first-year head coach Dave Canales. Bryce Young no longer looks like the biggest draft bust since JaMarcus Russell.
Arizona has been vulnerable to the run and Carolina’s Chuba Hubbard is having a Pro Bowl-caliber season. While the Panthers are technically finishing out another season in which they will lose up to 14 games, they can play the spoiler and ruin or damage Arizona’s, Tampa’s, or Atlanta’s playoff hopes. They will play hard.
Cardinals vs Panthers Prediction: Carolina Will Give Arizona a Fight
Arizona is battling to stay in playoff contention and will not have an easy time of it in Carolina. The Panthers will keep the game within the 4.5-point spread.
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