Chargers vs. Panthers Pick
Will the Carolina Panthers and San Diego Chargers have a shootout when the two meet up on Sunday at 1PM ET?
According to the oddsmakers at BetDSI, the Panthers are a slight favorite for this game, as they are getting odds of -1 point against the Chargers. The over/under total for the contest has been set at 48 points. Carolina has won and covered the spread in four of the last five meetings with San Diego and the two have hit the under in three of the five meetings.
Carolina is coming off a 40-7 loss to the Seahawks last week and it came with plenty of controversy, as Cam Newton was benched for the first series for a dress-code violation. The Panthers are now just 4-8 on the season and 7-5 with the over. The defense is struggling right now, allowing 26.8 points and 387.1 yards per game. They give up 294.3 passing yards per game on the season. The unit is still without Luke Kuechly due to a concussion. Offensively, Carolina is averaging 23.6 points and 363.3 yards per game. Newton has thrown for 2,614 yards and 14 touchdowns with eight interceptions while rushing for 286 yards. Greg Olsen is the leading receiver with 61 catches for 820 yards.
San Diego is coming off a 28-21 loss at home to the Bucs. The Chargers are now just 5-7 on the season and 8-3-1 with the over. They are 4-1-1 with the over in their last six games. San Diego is giving up 26.6 points and 372.8 yards per game on defense while the offense is putting up 27.8 points and 380.8 yards per game. Philip Rivers has thrown for 3,353 yards and 25 touchdowns to lead the offense while Tyrell Williams has caught 53 passes for 837 yards and six scores. Melvin Gordon has run for 992 yards and 10 touchdowns.
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This game should be an offensive showcase as both defenses have been struggling to make stops. Rivers always finds ways to lead the Chargers to points. They have put up at least 21 points in four straight games. Given the turmoil from benching Newton for a play, I expect Carolina to come out aggressive on Sunday. Newton should have a big game to let out his frustrations.
NFL WEEK 14 PICK: CHARGERS/PANTHERS OVER 48